The United States is concerned about the law on "undesirable" organizations in Russia

The United States expressed deep concern about the law on “undesirable” foreign and international organizations adopted in Russia, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. American officials see the law passed by the Russian authorities as a tool for creating restrictions on civil society in Russia.

“We are deeply alarmed by the new law in Russia, which allows the government to ban the work of“ undesirable foreign or international organizations ”in Russia and criminalizes any“ cooperation ”with organizations that have been given this status,” the foreign policy spokesman said on Saturday Departments Marie Harf.

“We are concerned that these new powers will further restrict the work of civil society and are a new indication that the Russian government is intensifying repression against independent votes and is taking deliberate steps to isolate the Russian people from the world,” the statement said later.

“We remain concerned about the increasing restrictions on independent media, civil society, members of minority groups and the political opposition,” said a State Department official. “Russians, like people all over the world, deserve a government that supports an open market of ideas, a system of transparent and accountable government, equality before the law, and the opportunity to enjoy their rights without fear of retribution.”

The United States called on the Russian government to abide by its international obligations and pledges to respect freedom of expression, the right to hold peaceful assemblies and association and the rule of law, the statement says.

According to the adopted Russian law, a foreign or international organization can be recognized as “undesirable,” but only a non-governmental organization that “poses a threat to the foundations of the constitutional order, defense capability and security of the state.” The corresponding decision is made by the Prosecutor General or his deputies in agreement with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cancellation of such a decision is carried out in a similar manner.

The list of “undesirable” organizations will be maintained and made public by the Ministry of Justice.

Employees of NGOs “undesirable in Russia” may face a fine or imprisonment for up to six years.