Russian Government Designates Free Russia Foundation as an “Extremist Organization”

Free Russia Foundation, a prominent global organization dedicated to supporting civil society and promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Russia and in neighboring countries, has been formally designated as an “extremist organization” by the Russian government. This designation, announced on July 26, 2024, marks a significant escalation in the Kremlin’s ongoing campaign to silence dissent and suppress civil society.

The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation claimed that Free Russia Foundation was a structural division of the “Anti-Russian Separatist Movement,” a fictional organization previously banned by the Supreme Court. However, this appears to be a pretext to silence FRF, which is an independent anti-war and pro-democracy NGO.

The classification of Free Russia Foundation as an “extremist organization” is part of a broader pattern of repression targeting independent voices and organizations that challenge Putin’s regime narrative. The Kremlin has increasingly utilized vague anti-extremism laws to criminalize the activities of groups advocating for democratic reforms and human rights, effectively stifling free expression and civic engagement.

This designation is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence those who stand up for democratic values and human rights in Russia. It aligns with a crackdown on civil society that has intensified since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, FRF remains committed to its mission of supporting the Russian people in their pursuit of a free and democratic society, despite the risks and challenges posed by this oppressive regime.

As for the implications of this designation, it criminalizes FRF’s operations within Russia and retroactively exposes individuals associated with the organization to potential legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.

In 2019, Free Russia Foundation was one of the first organizations to be designated as an “undesirable” by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation under the new anti-extremism laws. However, in a significant development, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has recently ruled this designation unlawful, citing violations of FRF’s rights to freedom of association and expression.

Free Russia Foundation will pursue all legal avenues to respond to the “extremist” designation. We will work to challenge this status and ensure that the rights of all individuals and organizations advocating for democratic values are respected.

FRF condemns this unjust decision and calls on the international community, including governments, human rights organizations, and civil society, to stand in solidarity with those who are being persecuted for their beliefs and advocacy.

“Free Russia Foundation remains dedicated to the cause. We will persist in supporting activists, condemning the war, and advocating for the imposition of sanctions on human rights violators, while also working to enhance the efficacy of these sanctions. We will steadfastly adhere to our mission of empowering those who champion democratic values and human rights in Russia, undeterred by the threats and obstacles posed by the Putin regime,” reiterates Natalia Arno, President of Free Russia Foundation.