Russia bans 'undesirable' international organisations ahead of 2016 elections
Source: The Guardian
Human rights groups fear law, which could cover businesses as well as NGOs, is being adopted early to quash opposition to Kremlin
Russias parliament has passed a law banning undesirable international organisations, raising fears of a further crackdown on voices critical of the Kremlin.
According to the legislation, the prosecutor general and foreign ministry can register as undesirable any foreign or international organisation that presents a threat to the defensive capabilities or security of the state, to the public order, or to the health of the population.
Blacklisted groups will be forbidden from operating branches or distributing information in Russia and banks will have to notify the prosecutor general and justice ministry of any financial transfers involving them. Although the language of the threat posed was vague, the bills authors suggested that international NGOs often work in the interests of foreign intelligence agencies.
Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/19/russia-bans-undesirable-international-organisations-2016-elections