Russia declares NGO Greenpeace 'undesirable', banning its activities in the country
The Russian Prosecutor General's Office said Greenpeace International, headquartered in the Netherlands, posed a "threat to the foundations of the constitutional order and security" of Russia. AFP - JOHN THYS
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Russia declared this Friday, May 19, "undesirable" the environmental NGO Greenpeace. This measure de facto bans its activities in the country, in the midst of all-out repression since the Kremlin's offensive in Ukraine.
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In a statement, Russia's prosecutor general's office said Greenpeace International, headquartered in the Netherlands, posed a "threat to the foundations of the constitutional order and security" of Russia and sought to "overthrow power in an unconstitutional manner." The prosecutor's office also accuses Greenpeace of encouraging "interference" in Russia's internal affairs, seeking to "undermine its economic foundations" and funding Russian organizations described by the authorities as "foreign agents".
Greenpeace is also accused of conducting "regular" "information campaigns" to "prevent the realization of profitable infrastructure and energy projects" for Russia. The prosecutor's office also accused Greenpeace of conducting "anti-Russian propaganda" and calling "for strengthening sanctions" against Russia since the beginning of the military campaign in Ukraine.
In Russia, according to the specialized NGO OVD-Info, organizations classified as "undesirable" are prohibited from opening structures, carrying out projects and disseminating information. This qualification also exposes Greenpeace to possible legal proceedings.
A decision described as "absurd" by the NGO
«
The liquidation of Greenpeace in Russia is an absurd, irresponsible and destructive measure that has nothing to do with protecting the country's interests. ", reacted the NGO on its website in Russian. According to the NGO, this decision is "due precisely to the fact that we are trying to prevent the implementation of projects that destroy nature, and in many cases successfully".
The Russian branch of Greenpeace, opened in 1992, conducts operations in the country to raise awareness of climate change, fight forest fires, pollution, and preserve endangered animal species. The NGO cites a long list of projects it has carried out, including some concerning Lake Baikal, the largest and deepest in the world. "Every year, our employees and volunteers have saved forests and peatlands from fires," Greenpeace added.
Since the beginning of the offensive in Ukraine, the Russian authorities have greatly accelerated the repression of critical voices. Far from being confined to the political opposition, this repression affects all areas, such as cultural circles and environmental organizations. In March, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was classified in Russia as a "foreign agent", an infamous label that greatly complicates its activities in the country.
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(
With AFP)
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