Multiple news outlets have reported that Russia has passed a law allowing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to be banned if undesirable.
According to the story on Euronews:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill which will allow foreign organisations to be banned from operating in the country.
The new law will give authorities the right to prosecute non-governmental organisations if considered "undesirable" or a threat to national security.
From the CNN story:
Tanya Lokshina, Russia program director for Human Rights Watch, said the new law had "the potential to severely damage our work in Russia," and was a cause for grave concern for all international groups operating in the country.
Nevertheless, she said she did not believe the law was aimed at international organizations like hers. Instead, she said, it was aimed at Russians who might cooperate with, or support, international organizations.
NGOs are not always beloved around the world and have been accused of doing more harm than good. What is the correct role for NGOs in the world?
(Score: 5, Informative) by Appalbarry on Monday May 25 2015, @11:32PM
In recent years the Canadian Harper government has launched an extremely aggressive campaign [www.cbc.ca] to remove charitable status from any non-profit organization whose work might conflict with the Conservative agenda. Including Amnesty International and the United Church of Canada!
It's not even subtle. If your group does some kind of environmental work [davidsuzuki.org] you'll find yourself subject to audits and investigation. If your group is of the right wing variety you'll never get touched. [thestar.com]