Russia bans Human Rights Watch amid ongoing crackdown on dissent.

The Russian government has formally designated Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable organization,” a classification introduced under a 2015 law that criminalizes involvement with such groups. This ruling mandates an immediate cessation of all operations by the international human rights organization within Russian borders and subjects any individuals who offer support or collaboration to potential legal repercussions.

This action, announced by the Russian prosecutor general’s office, marks another escalation in the government’s ongoing campaign against dissent. This crackdown against critics, journalists, and activists has intensified sharply since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reflecting a broader trend of suppressing civil society and independent voices within the nation.

In an additional move signaling tightening repression, the prosecutor general’s office also stated it is pursuing a case against the feminist punk rock band Pussy Riot, seeking to classify the group as an extremist organization. This development highlights the government’s increased vigilance towards artistic and activist expressions that challenge state narratives.

Meanwhile, the Russian Supreme Court has recently classified the Anti-Corruption Foundation, established by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as a terrorist organization. This ruling specifically impacts the foundation’s U.S.-registered entity, which has become a key focus since the Russian government labeled the original organization as “undesirable” in 2021. The foundation has warned that such designations are part of a systematic campaign by the authorities to label any opposition as enemies of the state, declaring a potential risk for other independent media, human rights projects, and local initiatives.

Currently, the Russian list of “undesirable organizations” includes over 275 entities, encompassing notable independent media outlets and human rights groups. Among those recognized in this category are Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Chatham House, Transparency International, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Human Rights Watch, founded in 1978, has been an influential entity in monitoring and documenting human rights violations globally. It has vocally opposed Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and has recently released findings detailing the drone attacks conducted by Russian forces against civilians in Ukraine’s Kherson region. The designation of Human Rights Watch marks a significant development in Russia’s aggressive posture towards international scrutiny and advocacy for human rights.