Russia bans Amnesty International amid crackdown on dissent
- The Russian authorities have labeled Amnesty International an undesirable organization.
- This classification makes any involvement with the organization a criminal offense.
- The ban reflects Russia's ongoing repression of dissent and aims to intimidate those supporting human rights advocacy.
On May 19, 2025, Russia's Prosecutor General announced the banning of Amnesty International, designating it as an undesirable organization under a law enacted in 2015. This action reflects the ongoing suppression of dissent within the country, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which intensified government crackdowns on critics, journalists, and activists. The classification of Amnesty International means that any association with the group is now considered a criminal offense, subjecting individuals who collaborate with or support the organization to potential prosecution. Amnesty International has been actively working to document human rights violations and has released several reports critical of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The organization has accused Moscow of committing crimes against humanity and has been vocal about the Kremlin’s repression of opposition voices within the country. In response to the ban, other human rights organizations have condemned the decision, emphasizing that it illustrates Russia’s efforts to obscure the truth about the human rights abuses occurring both domestically and in Ukraine. The Prosecutor General's office accused Amnesty International of promoting Russophobic initiatives and contributing to Russia's political and economic isolation. Additionally, they claimed that the organization justifies the actions of Ukrainian neo-Nazis, urging further funding to them. Amnesty International's ban comes in conjunction with Russia’s broader strategy to repress dissent, as the government has previously also labeled other NGOs, independent media outlets, and rights groups undesirable, further consolidating power and stifling independent voices. This recent development is part of a troubling pattern of authoritarianism in Russia, with the government exerting ever-increasing control over civil society. Amnesty International, since its founding in 1961, has played a vital role in advocating for human rights globally and holds a respected position in the field. The Russian government’s actions signal a clear effort to silence this organization, deter public support for it, and prevent any critical viewpoints from emerging in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine and internal dissent considering the political climate characterized by repression and censorship.