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Statement by a Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson on the Russian Justice Ministry’s action against 13 international organisations, including all German political foundations and the German Research Foundation (DFG)
By shutting down the political foundations and other foreign organisations, the Russian Government is once again showing its true face to the world: targeted bans and censorship are systematically being used to silence all voices for transparency and truth, justice, human rights and democracy – to the detriment of the Russian people. The ruthless suppression of divergent opinions within Russia is the mirror image of the Russian regime’s aggression in the external arena. The foundations and organisations that have now been banned from operating in Russia have for decades been committed to civil-society dialogue. The Government in Moscow is now breaking even these important ties between Russia and the world.
Background information:
Yesterday the Russian Justice Ministry revoked the registration of 13 renowned international organisations in Russia. In practical terms, this means that the institutions in question can no longer operate. These include not only Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch but also all German political foundations and the German Research Foundation (DFG).