EU, US Issue Statements Regarding Russian Ban on 'Undesirable' NGOs

Both EU and US representatives showed reactions of concern over the newly passed bill allowing foreign NGOs to be banned in Russia.

According to the new law, the organizations that are deemed ''undesirable'' as well as those that are likely to undermine the ''foundations of Russia's constitutional order, defensive capacity and security''. In case a violation to the new law is established, the culprits could be facing up to six years in prison, or a ban on entering the country.

"We are concerned this new power will further restrict the work of civil society in Russia and is a further example of the Russian government's growing crackdown on independent voices and intentional steps to isolate the Russian people from the world,"said US Department of State Spokeswoman Marie Harf, as quoted by the BBC.

Unsurprisingly, Amnesty International also reacted negatively to the announcement stating that the new bill will ''squeeze the life'' from civil society.

David Lingdon, Britain's Minister for Europe, stated that the step can be deemed ''yet another example of Russian authorities' harassment of NGOs''.

Some analysts believe the move to be mainly directed against local activists and organizations.

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