Overview
- The Justice Ministry added Human Rights Watch to its “undesirable” registry on Nov. 28, reflecting a Prosecutor General’s Office decision dated Nov. 10.
- The label outlaws the group’s activities in Russia and criminalizes cooperation, with penalties of up to four years for individuals and six for leaders.
- Human Rights Watch said it will continue documenting abuses from outside the country and condemned the move as repressive.
- Authorities previously revoked HRW’s Moscow registration in 2022, forcing the office to close after three decades in Russia.
- The step accompanies broader actions against dissent and platforms, including a “terrorist” designation for Navalny’s Anti‑Corruption Foundation, a case to deem Pussy Riot “extremist,” and threats to block WhatsApp.