Russian Justice Ministry labels seven more foreign NGOs 'undesirable', expanding crackdown on civil society

Russia's Ministry of Justice has expanded its list of organisations whose activities are banned on Russian territory, adding seven foreign and international non-governmental groups, the state news agency TASS reported, citing the ministry's website. The newly designated organisations are registered in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom and include media-linked, democracy-focused, educational and LGBT organisations.

According to the ministry's announcement, the entities placed on the 'undesirable' list are: The Epoch Times, described in the notice as linked to the Chinese religious movement Falun Gong and registered in the United States; the Russian Democratic Society, registered in the United Kingdom; Democracy Reporting International gGmbH (translated as "International Reports on Democracy") from Germany; an educational project called Smolny Without Borders, registered in Germany and reportedly founded by former lecturers of the Smolny College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Saint Petersburg; the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) from the United States; the Foundation for Democracy and Liberal Values (FDLV), an American organisation led by Zhanna Nemtsova; and Quarteera e.V., an LGBT organisation registered in Germany.

Under Russian law, participation by Russian citizens in the activities of organisations declared 'undesirable' is subject to administrative punishments. The ministry's statement reiterates that individuals can face fines ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles, while legal entities may be fined up to 100,000 rubles for involvement. The legislation also provides for criminal prosecution in cases of repeat violations or more serious participation: penalties may include imprisonment of between one and six years and fines of up to 500,000 rubles.

The latest additions continue a broader pattern of measures by Russian authorities to restrict the operations of foreign-funded, diaspora, and independent civic organisations. The ministry's release notes that, as of September 2026, the register of 'undesirable organisations' contained more than 400 entries. Human rights groups and legal experts have argued that the 'undesirable organisations' framework is a tool to limit independent civic activity, restrict access to foreign funding and chill public participation in civic initiatives.

Several of the named organisations represent different strands of civil society activity. IREX and Democracy Reporting International focus on education, research and democracy support; the FDLV is a US-based pro-democracy foundation led by Zhanna Nemtsova; Smolny Without Borders is framed as an educational project by former Russian academics; Quarteera e.V. provides LGBT community support and advocacy; and The Epoch Times is a media outlet linked to Falun Gong. The Russian Democratic Society listed in the ministry notice is among associations of Russians abroad that have, in recent years, organized civic networks and advocacy outside Russian territory.

The designation of organisations as 'undesirable' has practical consequences beyond fines. Organisations on the list are barred from operating in Russia, cooperating with Russian organisations or individuals, and their materials may be restricted. Russians who collaborate with or assist these groups risk administrative and criminal sanctions, which critics say creates broad legal uncertainty for activists, researchers, educators and minority groups seeking to work across borders.

The Ministry of Justice's move follows a long-running crackdown on independent institutions in Russia, including media outlets, non-governmental organisations and academic projects. International responses to earlier additions to the list have included criticism from rights groups and calls from foreign governments for Russia to respect freedom of association and expression. The ministry's announcement did not include further explanation of the specific grounds for each individual designation beyond listing the organisations.

For Russians and organisations monitoring civic space, the expansion of the 'undesirable' list underscores the continuing constraints on cross-border cooperation and the heightened legal risks for those involved with foreign or diaspora groups. Observers say the designations are likely to have a chilling effect on the work of civil society actors and on the ability of vulnerable communities and independent educators to receive support or share expertise from abroad.