Russia's Law of "Undesirable" Organizations: What Does It Mean?

• 05.20.2015, 21:30
•  Region,  World

http://ria.ru/politics/20150519/1065380249.html

Russian Parliament has passed a law banning "undesirable" organizations activities in Russia. According to this law any organization either international or foreign is considered  "undesirable" if it presents a threat to the defensive capabilities or security of the state, public order or to the health of the population. The legislation has passed in its third and final reading on Tuesday by a vote of 440 to three. Before it turns into law, the bill should be approved by the upper house of parliament and be signed by the president, Vladimir Putin, The Guardian reports.

Blacklisted organizations or groups will be prohibited from operating branches or sharing out information in Russia. Banks also have to warn the prosecutor general and justice ministry of any financial transfers in which these organizations will be involved. The out law activities will be punished by penalties; from 5 to 15 thousand Rubles (£200) for any citizen involved in a deal with an "undesirable" organization, from 20 to 50 thousand Rubles for any official faces and from 50 to 100 thousand Rubles for lawman. Criminal liability will be presented for the staff members of an "undesirable" organization, if they continue to work in or for the same organization.

Co-sponsor of the law Alexander Tarnavky commenting on the issue noted that the goal of the legislation is to indicate foreign organizations that are not friendly with Russia.

According to Human Right Watch group the target of the law is not directed to foreign business or international NGOs, but it  mostly applies to the local- Russian groups or individuals and activities that are dealing with them.

According to some experts the law seems to be designed for particular cases and it is against the organizations that are critical of the government. In addition they state that the law  aims at reducing the degree of the existing  relationship between Russian society and their international partners or friends.