In a shocking move, authorities in Moscow have added 54 Indigenous groups and the U.S.-based Free Russia Foundation to the list of “extremist” organizations in Russia. The Justice Ministry labeled these organizations as part of the vaguely defined “Anti-Russian Separatist Movement,” which was banned as an “extremist” organization last month.
This new list includes a diverse range of groups like the Asians of Russia and Free Buryatia foundations, the Free Ingria movement, the Sakha Pacifist Association community, and the World Chechen Congress. The designation could lead to up to six years of imprisonment for anyone associated with these groups.
Despite this setback, the head of the Free Buryatia Foundation remains undeterred, stating that they will continue their work despite the challenges. On the other hand, some organizations, like the Independent Sakha Movement, express surprise at being labeled as extremists.
The Free Russia Foundation, also targeted by this decision, sees it as part of a wider crackdown on independent voices in Russia. They have vowed to challenge this designation and continue their mission of promoting democratic values in the nation.