A Russian court has identified an organization led by Navalny, a dissident leader who criticizes Putin's administration, as an "extremist organization."
In Russia, a House of Representatives election is scheduled for this fall, and there are concerns that the Putin administration's crackdown on dissidents will intensify.
After imprisoning dissident leader Alexei Navalny in prison in February, Russian officials have taken legal steps to certify the organization led by Alexei Navalny as an "extremist organization." It was.
As a result, a court in the capital Moscow recognized three groups as "extremist organizations" on the 9th, including the "Anti-Corruption Fund" and "Navalny Headquarters" led by Mr. Navalny.
Once certified, it will not be possible to hold meetings and election campaigns, and information dissemination via the Internet will be prohibited, which will be a big hurt for dissidents.
Mr. Navalny posted a message on Instagram through his supporters, accusing the Putin administration of "corruption-stained state power calls those who fight corruption'extremists'."
Russia is scheduled to hold a House of Representatives election every five years in September, and there are concerns that the Putin administration's crackdown on dissidents and media critical of the administration will intensify.
US spokesman Price "Expanding crackdowns on opposition parties and civil society"
"This measure will effectively treat Russia as one of the few independent political movements remaining in the country," said Price, a spokesman for the US State Department, in a statement.
"This measure shows that the Kremlin is increasing its crackdown on opposition, civil society and even independent media," he said.
He added, "We are internationally saying that Russia will stop abusing the designation of'extremists' against nonviolent organizations, stop oppressing Mr. Navalny and his supporters, and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. I urge you to fulfill your obligations. "