Russia brands Greenpeace ‘undesirable’ organisation

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has declared Greenpeace an “undesirable” organisation in the country, effectively shutting down its operations in Russia.

The office clarified that Greenpeace International (the Netherlands) had been added to the list.

According to the agency, Greenpeace:

• threatens Russia’s constitutional foundations and security;

• actively promotes political positions, attempts to interfere in domestic affairs;

• attempts to form a negative public opinion and hamper beneficial infrastructure and energy projects;

• finances activities of “foreign agents”, seeks to change Russian laws in detriment to the interests of society and citizens;

• promotes anti-Russian propaganda, calls for further economic isolation of Russia and tougher sanctions.

Following the announcement, Greenpeace’s Russian office announced that it would shut down operations in the country over the “undesirable” organisation label.

“We categorically reject the decision made by the Prosecutor General’s Office. This decision makes any activity of Greenpeace in Russia illegal. Therefore, Greenpeace’s Russian branch is forced to close down,” the statement reads.

Despite this decision, Greenpeace Russia CEO Sergey Tsyplenkov is still a member of the Russian presidential Human Rights Council’s presidium, Agency notes.

Taking part in activities of an “undesirable organisation” in Russia carries a punishment of up to four years in prison.

In early May, Greenpeace reported that the real area of forest fires in Russia is ten times higher than the official statistics. According to the organisation, the real area of Russia’s forest fires since the start of the year constitutes 5.2 million ha, whereas the official report only mentions 0.59 million ha.