wr2014_web_0

EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIARussiaRussian authorities continued the crackdown on civil society and governmentcritics that began in 2012. Enforcement of the “foreign agents” law led to anunprecedented, nationwide inspection campaign of hundreds of nongovernmentalorganizations (NGOs). Dozens of groups are fighting the prosecutors incourts, refusing to register as “foreign agents.” Parliament adopted lawsrestricting LGBT rights and freedom of expression and infringing on the right toprivacy. Abuses in the North Caucasus continue.Civil SocietyA 2012 law requires NGOs receiving foreign funding and conducting broadlydefined “political activity” to register as “foreign agents,” effectively demonizingthem as foreign spies. Authorities define as “political” such work as urgingreforms, raising awareness, and assisting victims of abuse.From March to May 2013, authorities subjected hundreds of NGOs to invasiveinspections to intimidate groups and pressure them to register as “foreignagents.”At time of writing, the authorities filed administrative lawsuits against at leastnine inspected organizations and five administrative cases against leaders ofthese groups for refusing to register. Two groups were forced to close as aresult; at least another three chose to wind up operations to avoid furtherrepressive legal actions. The Prosecutor’s Office ordered dozens of othergroups to register or warned they might need to do so. Many organizations alsofaced sanctions for alleged violations of fire safety, tax and labor regulations,and sanitary norms.Sexual Orientation and Gender IdentityIn June 2013, parliament unanimously adopted a law banning promotion amongchildren of “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relationships,” meaning lesbian,gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) relationships. Violators risk stifffines, and in the case of foreigners, up to 15 days’ detention and deportation.471