Russia Labels Amnesty International ‘Undesirable,’ Accuses Group of Supporting Extremists and Spreading Anti-Russian Sentiment
Moscow, May 20, 2025 —
Russian authorities have declared Amnesty International an “undesirable” organization, accusing the global human rights group of promoting anti-Russian sentiment and supporting extremist activities. This move marks the latest effort by the Kremlin to suppress critical voices.
In a statement on Monday, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office claimed Amnesty’s London headquarters functions as a “hub for global Russophobic projects,” allegedly funded by Western allies of Ukraine. Officials accused the group of attempting to escalate military tensions in the region following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Prosecutor’s Office further alleged that Amnesty International advocates for Russia’s political and economic isolation and backs groups that Russia classifies as extremist. They also accused the organization of financing individuals labeled as “foreign agents” — a term Moscow uses to describe those it views as hostile to the state.
Amnesty International has not yet responded to the accusations.
The “undesirable” status bans Amnesty from operating within Russia. Anyone found cooperating with the group or promoting its reports, including through social media, may face criminal charges.
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