Russian parliament passes bill on ‘undesirable’ foreign NGOs

Russian lawmakers on Tuesday passed a controversial bill allowing authorities to ban foreign NGOs deemed “undesirable” for the state, the latest step in a crackdown condemned by rights activists.

Pro-Kremlin legislators overwhelmingly approved the legislation -- which still has to be approved by the <g data-gr-id="13">rubberstamp</g> upper chamber and signed off by President Vladimir Putin -- that targets international non-governmental organisations accused of undermining Russia’s “state security”. The law, opposed by the Kremlin’s own human rights ombudsman, allows authorities to bar foreign civil society groups seen as threatening Russia’s “defence capabilities” or “<g data-gr-id="14">consitutional</g> foundations” and go after local activists working with them.

Russian citizens who cooperate with the banned organisations can be hit by large fines and jailed for up to six years.