'As part of its objectives, the Institute names the dissemination and promotion of research and education in the field of philosophy, assisting philosophers allegedly forced to emigrate. To join the so-called institute community, humanities scholars need to oppose the 'SVO,' the Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement.
The supervisory agency also claims that the institute holds conferences 'where representatives of the scientific community express Russophobic and anti-Russian ideas and views.'
The idea to create a censorship-free academic organization arose in December 2021. In May 2023, the Independent Institute of Philosophy was registered in the prefecture of Paris. The community brought together about a hundred humanities researchers who openly declare their anti-war stance.
The register of 'undesirable' organizations has been maintained in Russia since 2015, currently containing more than 200 entries. Foreign or international organizations that, according to the authorities, pose a 'threat to the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the country's defense capability, or state security' can be declared 'undesirable.' Such organizations are prohibited from conducting activities within the country.
Participation in the activities of an 'undesirable organization' is punishable by administrative liability in the form of a fine from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. In case of a repeated violation within a year after the first fine for participation in the activities of an 'undesirable' organization, criminal liability arises, ranging from fines of 300 to 500 thousand rubles to imprisonment from one to four years. Moreover, this applies to participation in activities outside of Russia.