Latest news with #KremlinCrackdown
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Russia outlaws Amnesty International in latest crackdown on opposition
Russia has outlawed Amnesty International, designating it an "undesirable organisation" and criminalising involvement with the human rights group in the country. This move, announced Monday by the Russian Prosecutor General's office, further intensifies the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent, which has escalated dramatically since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ban effectively shuts down Amnesty's operations within Russia and threatens anyone cooperating with or supporting the organisation with prosecution. This latest addition brings Russia's list of "undesirable organizations" to 223 entities, a roster that includes prominent independent news outlets and rights groups such as US government-funded broadcaster RFE/RL and Greenpeace. Russian citizens face up to five years in prison for working with or funding these banned groups. Amnesty International was launched in 1961. The group documents and reports human rights violations across the globe and campaigns for release of those it deems unjustly imprisoned. It has released reports on Russia's war in Ukraine, accusing Moscow of crimes against humanity, and has spoke out against the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent that has swept up thousands of people in recent years. In a statement, Russia's prosecutor general said that Amnesty International Limited's London office was a "centre for the preparation of global Russophobic projects", and accused it of advocating of behalf of Ukraine. It accused Amnesty of: "doing everything possible to intensify the military confrontation in the region. They justify the crimes of Ukrainian neo-Nazis, call for an increase in their funding, and insist on the political and economic isolation of our country." Russian officials regularly accuse Ukraine of being dominated by 'neo-Nazis', an accusation seen in Ukraine, the West and other countries as baseless propaganda. Amnesty International did not immediately comment on the move. The move comes as Russia president Vladimir Putin is set to hold a crucial call with US counterpart Donald Trump to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire. President Trump said his aim in the discussion was to stop the 'bloodbath' that is taking place in Ukraine, and marks the latest development after several weeks of increased diplomatic activity.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Russia bans Amnesty International as an 'undesirable organisation'
Russian authorities have outlawed Amnesty International, meaning involvement with the human rights group is now a criminal offence. The decision by the prosecutor general's office is the latest crackdown on Kremlin critics, journalists and activists that intensified after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In its statement, the office said that Amnesty International was a "centre for the preparation of global Russophobic projects", and accused it of advocating on behalf of Ukraine. The designation means the group must stop any work in Russia, and anyone who cooperates or supports it could face prosecution. Amnesty did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Founded in 1961 and headquartered in London, Amnesty International campaigns for human rights across the world, including on behalf of those it designates prisoners of conscience. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Russia outlaws Amnesty International in latest crackdown on dissent and activists
The Russian authorities on Monday outlawed Amnesty International as an 'undesirable organization,' a label that under a 2015 law makes involvement with such organizations a criminal offense. The decision by the Russian Prosecutor General's office, announced in an online statement, is the latest in the unrelenting crackdown on Kremlin critics, journalists and activists that intensified to unprecedented levels after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The designation means the international human rights group must stop any work in Russia and it subjects those who cooperate with it or support it to prosecution. Russia's list of 'undesirable organizations' currently covers 223 entities, including prominent independent news outlets and rights groups. Amnesty International was launched in 1961. The group documents and reports human rights violations across the globe and campaigns for release of those it deems unjustly imprisoned. It has released reports on Russia's war in Ukraine, accusing Moscow of crimes against humanity, and has spoke out against the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent that has swept up thousands of people in recent years. The Prosecutor General's office in their statement on Monday accused the group of running 'Russophobic projects" and activities aimed at Russia's 'political and economic isolation.'
