Russia: The non-profit organizations will be granted the status of foreign agents

The media reported that already on Friday the group of United Russia deputies may move in the State Duma a bill, which toughens the operation of the non-profit organizations, which are funded from abroad and are engaged in politics. Such non-profit organizations were named as “organizations, which function as foreign agents,” their activities can be suspended and their leadership can be subject to a big fine or criminal persecution. These organizations will have to register and report in the special way. Among the authors of the bill is deputy Alexander Sidyakin, who is an author of the new reading of the law on rallies. The Kremlin supports the initiative, referring to the international practice. Representatives of the non-profit organizations, which are within the effect of the bill, believe that the state authorities are afraid of the exports of the Orange moods [sic] [translation: color revolutions] from abroad.

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