The State Duma Committee on State Construction and Legislation has recommended that deputies approve, at the initial reading, a measure that would criminalize repeated involvement in the work of foreign or international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating within Russia, as well as the organization of their activities. This move was reported by TASS, the Russian news agency. The proposal centers on NGOs that appear on a specially maintained register, signaling a focus on organizations that have a formal and recognized status within regulatory records. The committee’s stance points to concerns about external influence and the need to regulate bodies that engage in activities linked to foreign interests within the country’s borders. In practical terms, the draft law would create a framework where repeated participation in such work could trigger criminal liability, reinforcing the government’s posture on civil society organizations that operate with foreign backing or oversight. The emphasis on a first reading signals a sense of urgency and a broader commitment to addressing perceived threats to national sovereignty and internal stability.
On April 26, the head of the State Duma commission, Vasily Piskarev, raised questions about foreign intervention in Russia’s internal affairs. Reports indicate that a group of commission deputies presented to the lower house a bill that would establish criminal liability for participation in the work of foreign NGOs that are not registered in Russia. The purpose appears to be not only to deter direct involvement in such activities but also to deter the organization and execution of efforts linked to external actors. The proposal underscores the belief that unregistered foreign NGOs may operate beyond the guardrails of Russian law, prompting lawmakers to consider stricter accountability for individuals who engage with these entities. The discussion reflects a broader debate about how Russia manages civil society, foreign associations, and the potential for external actors to influence domestic political, social, or policy processes. The commission’s members argue that creating clear legal consequences will help preserve the integrity of national governance and reduce avenues for outside interference that could shape public discourse or policy directions.
The deputy noted that the plan would extend criminal liability to those who organize the activities of NGOs in the Russian Federation. The draft foresees prison sentences of up to three years for individuals who have previously faced administrative penalties for participating in the work of NGOs that fall under foreign influence or registration criteria. This element of the proposal signals a tightening of the legal framework, aiming to deter both direct participation and the logistical coordination of NGO activities tied to external entities. Proponents argue that stronger penalties are necessary to ensure compliance and to prevent repeated offenses that could undermine state cohesion. Critics, however, may view the measure as a broad restriction on civil society, potentially chilling legitimate charitable, educational, or cultural work conducted with international partners. The dialogue surrounding the bill thus centers on balancing national security concerns with the protections guaranteed to civic actors, the right to peaceful association, and the public interest in transparent governance. As the legislative process moves forward, observers will watch closely how the bill defines the scope of “organization” and the precise threshold for what constitutes participation in NGO activities linked to foreign actors, seeking to clarify ambiguities that could affect enforcement and due process.