Transparency International is recognized in the Russian Federation as an undesirable organization

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia has recognized the international non-governmental organization Transparency International as undesirable on the territory of the country.The report of the Attorney General’s Office states that Transparency International, “officially acting as an organization fighting corruption worldwide”, “interferes in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation, which poses a threat to the foundations of constitutional order and security”. The latter wording is standard when it comes to declaring organizations undesirable. What is interference in internal affairs, the ministry did not explain.The recognition of an organization as undesirable means, among other things, that those who cooperate with it can be held criminally liable.Previously, the Russian authorities included the self-governing non-profit organization “Center for Anti-Corruption Research and Initiatives” Transparency International – Russia “operating in the country in the register of so-called foreign agents. This organization describes itself as a Russian NPO, which is “part of the international movement Transparency International, which brings together more than 100 independent organizations around the world.” The General Prosecutor’s Office declared undesirable precisely “parent” organization Transparency International headquartered in Berlin.The organization says its mission is “to fight corruption and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, integrity and honesty”. International and Russian Transparency publish investigations into alleged cases of corruption, cooperate with the media in the preparation of investigations, publish analytical documents and proposals for improving legislation.Russian authorities have declared dozens of foreign organizations undesirable. Recently, in particular, Meduza has been recognized as such an organization. Under the article on cooperation with an undesirable organization, several people were sentenced, including real terms.