Russia Tightens Grip: Human Rights Watch Outlawed as ‘Undesirable’

The Russian government has declared Human Rights Watch an 'undesirable organisation', mandating a cessation of their activities in Russia and threatening prosecution for cooperation. This is part of a larger crackdown on dissent, including actions against Pussy Riot and Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation.

In a significant move, Russian authorities on Friday branded Human Rights Watch as an 'undesirable organisation', imposing a ban that criminalizes any involvement with the NGO under a 2015 law.

This development, announced by the prosecutor general's office, underscores the ongoing crackdown on dissidents, media, and activists heightened after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

Concurrently, Russia's Supreme Court targeted Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and moves were initiated against Pussy Riot, marking a broader campaign against entities challenging Kremlin policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)