The State Duma proposed expanding the criteria by which an organization can be considered “undesirable”

The State Duma has introduced amendments to expand the list of organizations that can be considered “undesirable.” The corresponding bill was published on the website of the lower house of parliament.

Deputies propose to introduce the possibility of recognizing as “undesirable” not only foreign non-governmental organizations, as currently provided for by law, but also those where another state is the founder or participant. Moreover, if the bill is adopted, the amendments will not apply to the authorities of a foreign state and to intergovernmental organizations in which Russia participates.

According to the text of the explanatory note, the bill “was developed in order to minimize the destructive influence on the social and political institutions of Russian society.”

Plans to expand the criteria for recognizing foreign organizations as “undesirable” became known on February 8. Then one of the authors of the initiative, State Duma deputy Vasily Piskarev announced the bill in his Telegram channel, adding that the amendments are aimed at “protecting sovereignty from the hostile activities of foreign and international organizations.”

The State Duma Commission to Investigate Foreign Intervention also emphasized that the bill is directed against “activities that pose a threat to the security of our country.” According to representatives of the commission, such activities include the development of anti-Russian sanctions, “training agents of influence,” “interfering in elections in Russia,” and inciting national hatred.