The State Duma in the first reading approved the amendments on the punishment for the work of NGOs without registration

The State Duma adopted in the first reading a package of three bills aimed at regulating the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). About it told Vasily Piskarev, co-author of the amendments and Chairman of the Security and Anti-Corruption Committee.

“The adoption of the amendments we proposed will serve to strengthen the security of the country and our citizens, as well as protect our sovereignty,” Piskarev explained in the Telegram channel.

The package of amendments was prepared by a commission of inquiry into the facts of foreign interference. The draft law proposes that individuals and legal entities can participate in the work of an NGO only if its representative office is entered in the register of the Ministry of Justice. Otherwise, they face administrative liability for working in an organization that does not have the appropriate registration. For citizens, the fine will be up to 5,000 rubles, for officials – up to 50,000 rubles, and for legal entities – up to 100,000 rubles. For foreigners, it is proposed to set a fine of up to 50,000 rubles, they may also face deportation.

The authors of the initiative also propose to introduce criminal liability for persons who have been brought to administrative responsibility twice during the year for participating in the activities of such NGOs. Criminal punishment – up to three years in prison – is also provided for the organizers of the work of non-registered NGOs in Russia.

In 2022, out of 23 foreign NGOs that were deemed undesirable, only one was registered in Russia. The organizations are funded by the United States and its NATO allies and “carry out subversive work in our country in order to destroy the economy and reduce the defense capability of Russia,” Piskarev emphasizes.

A package of bills on foreign NGOs was introduced simultaneously with amendments to strengthen control over foreign agents, including the establishment of liability for persons who contribute to the violation of laws by such citizens. They were accepted State Duma in the first reading the day before, June 21.