Russian rights NGO disbands under 'foreign agent' pressure
It is seen as an attempt to discredit activists because of the pejorative connotation that the term "foreign agent" carries for many Russians.
Published: 07th March 2021 10:37 PM | Last Updated: 07th March 2021 10:37 PM | A+A A-
Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo | AP)
MOSCOW: A longtime human rights organisation in Russia announced Sunday it's disbanding because of pressure from the country's foreign agents law.
The law requires organisations and individuals involved in vaguely defined political activity and who receive assistance from abroad to register as foreign agents.
It is seen as an attempt to discredit activists because of the pejorative connotation that the term "foreign agent" carries for many Russians.
The organisation For Human Rights said in a statement that it was disbanding, citing the inclusion of its leader, Lev Ponomarev, on the Justice Ministry's list of foreign agents.
It also said the law could subject its members to fines and imprisonment.
Ponomarev, a veteran human rights activist, founded the organisation in 1997.
