The State Duma proposed to introduce criminal penalties for the work of foreign NGOs without registration

The State Duma Commission to Investigate the Facts of Foreign Interference in Russia’s Internal Affairs proposes to introduce criminal liability for organizing the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are not registered in Russia. This was told by the head of the commission, a deputy from the “United Russia” Vasily Piskarev.

“Today, there are simply no legal mechanisms to stop the destructive activities of foreign NGOs until they are recognized as undesirable in Russia today. Therefore, we have prepared proposals to introduce criminal liability for organizing in our country the activities of a foreign NGO that is not registered in Russia,” Mr. Piskarev said (his words are quoted in Telegram channel Duma Commission).

The head of the commission added that non-governmental organizations from foreign countries massively do not comply with the rules of work in Russia. Vasily Piskarev specified that of the 23 foreign NGOs whose activities were deemed undesirable last year, only one organization worked through its branch in Russia, as required by law.

Formerly Mr. Piskarev became co-author of amendments to toughen punishment for treason and international terrorism. According to him, for such crimes it is necessary to punish up to life imprisonment. In addition, Vasily Piskarev, together with colleagues, introduced amendments to the Federal Law “On Security”, which endow President with the “power to protect” citizens from the decisions of foreign or international structures. In the same document, the authors of the initiative propose to amend the Criminal Code, providing for punishment for facilitating the execution of such decisions.

Alexander Kislov