Russia Bans Human Rights Watch

Russia has added Human Rights Watch to its list of “undesirable” organisations, effectively banning the New York-based group from operating in the country.

The Russian authorities did not provide a reason for the move.

Human Rights Watch, which closed its offices in Russia in 2022, has yet to comment.

Since the launch of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the justice ministry has prohibited dozens of organisations critical of Kremlin policies or the military’s actions in the conflict.

Russia (News Central TV) — Russia bans Human Rights Watch.
Credit: Sputnik/Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool via REUTERS

Human Rights Watch, which monitors abuses by governments and armed forces globally, has repeatedly condemned the war and accused the Russian military of committing a “litany of violations,” allegations that Moscow denies.

Other groups previously labelled “undesirable” include Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, Transparency International, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Under Russian law, anyone collaborating with or donating to these organisations can face prosecution.

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