BBC :
Pro-Putin parties dominate the lower house (Duma)
Russia is expected to introduce new powers to prosecute foreigners whose activities are seen as “undesirable” on national security grounds.
Russian MPs are voting on a bill to ban “undesirable” foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or firms.
The draft leaves the definition of “undesirable” open to interpretation.
Under an existing 2012 law, foreign-funded Russian NGOs linked to politics must register as “foreign agents”. The label has connotations of spying.
A party loyal to President Vladimir Putin drafted the new law. His supporters dominate both houses of parliament.
The text going through the Duma – Russia’s lower house – says it will be up to Russian prosecutors and the foreign ministry to decide if a foreign organisation or firm is “undesirable”.
A foreigner declared “undesirable” could face a fine of up to 500,000 roubles (£6,343; $10,000) and up to six years in jail.
To become law the bill requires approval by the upper house (Federation Council) and President Putin – regarded as a formality.
It comes amid frosty relations between Russia and the West, characterised by sanctions and counter-sanctions over Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Pro-Putin parties dominate the lower house (Duma)
Russia is expected to introduce new powers to prosecute foreigners whose activities are seen as “undesirable” on national security grounds.
Russian MPs are voting on a bill to ban “undesirable” foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or firms.
The draft leaves the definition of “undesirable” open to interpretation.
Under an existing 2012 law, foreign-funded Russian NGOs linked to politics must register as “foreign agents”. The label has connotations of spying.
A party loyal to President Vladimir Putin drafted the new law. His supporters dominate both houses of parliament.
The text going through the Duma – Russia’s lower house – says it will be up to Russian prosecutors and the foreign ministry to decide if a foreign organisation or firm is “undesirable”.
A foreigner declared “undesirable” could face a fine of up to 500,000 roubles (£6,343; $10,000) and up to six years in jail.
To become law the bill requires approval by the upper house (Federation Council) and President Putin – regarded as a formality.
It comes amid frosty relations between Russia and the West, characterised by sanctions and counter-sanctions over Russia’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
