The State Duma adopted a resolution condemning the financing of NGOs by foreign spies

On January 25, 2006, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a resolution on the inadmissibility of foreign intelligence services using non-profit, non-governmental organizations. The document was supported by 401 deputies, 6 were against and 5 abstained.

The State Duma expresses concern about the facts of funding of NGOs from abroad, in particular, by employees of the British Embassy.

“Such actions undermine confidence in non-profit non-governmental organizations, as a generally recognized most important institution of civil society,” the resolution says.

The document also notes that “the practice of interaction between intelligence officers and NGOs deserves condemnation by the parliaments of European countries.”

The resolution was adopted as a result of heated discussion, despite protests from the opposition.

In particular, Gennady Seleznev said that with its statement the State Duma casts a shadow on 700 thousand non-governmental organizations registered with various justice authorities. Vladimir Ryzhkov noted the lack of discussion of the resolution, which was adopted without facts. The deputy believes that the State Duma cannot adopt a document based on gossip.

According to the Ekho Moskvy radio station, the State Duma instructed the Security Committee to request information on the financing of Russian political parties and non-profit organizations from foreign sources. In particular, the Duma proposes to request information about the legality of the use of funds received by NPOs through the mediation of British Embassy employee Mark Doe .

Sources

• The State Duma condemned British spies for financing NGOs // Lenta.Ru. 2006. January 25.
• The State Duma adopted a statement on the inadmissibility of the influence of special services on the activities of NGOs // Grani.Ru. 2006. January 25.
• The State Duma adopted a statement based on rumors, not facts // Polit.Ru. 2006. January 25.
• The State Duma decided to request information on the financing of Russian political parties and non-profit organizations from foreign sources // Echo of Moscow. 2006. January 25.