Press release

Foreign Office concerned about increasing pressure on Russian NGOs

Foreign Office Minister for Europe David Lidington has expressed concern about increasing pressure on NGOs in Russia.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon David Lidington CBE
• Published: 16 June 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking today Mr Lidington said:

We are deeply concerned about increasing pressure on NGOs in Russia. The recent amendment to the NGO law which gives the Ministry of Justice the power to register NGOs as “foreign agents” further constrains the free operation of civil society in Russia.

The swift placement of five NGOs on the “foreign agents” register last week and the recent wave of NGO inspections appear designed to undermine the important work of NGOs. We urge the Russian authorities not to place groups advocating the protection of fundamental freedoms under special scrutiny.

Further information

Follow Foreign Office Minister David Lidington on twitter @DLidington

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

For journalists

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

Published 16 June 2014