Russian law, by which all foreign-funded non-profit organizations engaged in political activities, receive the status of “foreign agents”, passed the first stage of its consideration in Parliament.
The essence of the initiative is to achieve greater financial transparency from such institutions. The opponents of the bill consider that it can be used against the opposition movement. RT correspondent Irina Galushko fallows the developments in the State Duma.
Irina Galushko, Correspondent of RT: Opponents of the law do not agree, with the word “agent” especially. They think, it has a very negative meaning, and seems that NGOs operating in Russia are in fact illegal foreign spies. They argue that the organization is already subject to strict controls on sources of funding, and if this control becomes stronger, they will not be able to carry out their activities. They also claim that the government does so having the aim to strengthen the so-called vertical of the power, which is already tough when it comes to Non Profits and NGOs.
Opponents of the law consider the bill unconstitutional and undemocratic, despite the fact that, according to the ideological inspirers of the law, they have reproduced the new law verbatim from the current U.S. law. This is the so-called law of FARA – the Federal Law on Registration of Foreign Agents. It operates in the U.S. since the 1930s, and it seems that nobody has to worry about.
According to supporters of the initiative, the law is of vital importance for Russia. “Yes, – they said – we recognize that the bill is still very “raw” and needs improvement, but that’s exactly what we are doing here in the State Duma.”
However, in their opinion, the law is essential. They believe that the NGOs that receive foreign funding, may intervene in the internal politics of Russia, which is unacceptable not only for Russia but for any other country.
Supporters of the initiative also mention that their main goal – is, to turn the work of such NGOs in the country more transparent, and they do not intend increasing pressure on them, because, in fact, the organizations themselves will take decision on whether to register as “foreign agents “or not.
Of course, the law will be discussed, and it will be amended, however, the State Duma deputies hope that it shall come in effect in late July.