Russian prosecutors on May 7 declared the Washington-based Freedom House human rights watchdog an "undesirable organization." Freedom House was established in 1941 and has been known for political advocacy surrounding issues of democracy, political freedom, and human rights. The "undesirable organization" law, adopted in 2015, targets NGOs that receive funding from foreign sources. Russian officials have used the designation, whose underlying legislation was expanded in 2021, to marginalize dozens of foreign organizations. Russia in February labeled Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty an "undesirable organization." To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
