Fradkov criticizes NGO law

A law developed by the ruling United Russia party to force
foreign-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in
politics to declare themselves “foreign agents” was criticized on
Monday by human rights groups and the head of the Kremlin’s human
rights council, Mikhail Fradkov, RIA Novosti reports.

“The law could even concern the Russian Orthodox Church, as the law
relates to any non-commercial organization that receives funds from
foreign citizens. And, of course, the Orthodox Church receives
donations from abroad,” Fradkov said.

The law, which was submitted to the lower house of parliament last
Friday and received government backing on Monday, would oblige
non-governmental organizations engaged in “political” activities that
receive funding from abroad to display the words “foreign agent” on
their websites and publications. NGOs would also have to publish a
biannual report of their activities and carry out an annual financial
audit.

Failure to do so could result in four-year jail sentences and/or fines
of up to 300,000 rubles ($9,200) for members.