Russian Bill targeting foreign-funded NGOs is approved
PUBLISHED: JULY 20, 2012
On June 29, 2012, a group of seven deputies submitted to the Russian Duma the draft law Introducing Amendments to Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in Part Regulating Activities of Non-commercial Organizations, which Carry Functions of Foreign Agents (hereinafter referred to as “the draft law”). The seven deputies who submitted the draft law to the Duma are all representatives of the ruling United Russia party. On July 18, 2012, the Council of the Federation approved the draft law after the lower house of the Duma adopted it on July 13.
The draft law requires all non-commercial organizations (NCOs) to register with a specially authorized governmental body prior to receipt of funding from any foreign sources if they intend to conduct political activities. Such NCOs are to be called “NCOs carrying functions of a foreign agent.” The draft law will now be submitted to President Putin for signature.