The Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation declared the Portuguese organization 'Association of Free Russians' as 'undesirable' because 'emigrants from Russia who founded it in 2022 openly advocate for the overthrow of power in the Russian Federation, against the special military operation, and raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.' According to the agency, active members of the organization are 'former participants in protest actions in our country, as well as individuals engaged in anti-Russian propaganda and promoting the ideas of the LGBT community.'
The agency also named the organization 'Civil Council' as a 'partner of the association,' which the Ministry of Justice included in the list of 'undesirable' in November 2023, accusing it of recruiting volunteers for the war against Russia as part of the Ukrainian army. The association also calls itself a member of the 'Anti-War Committee,' which was recognized as 'undesirable' in Russia in January 2024.
The Portuguese 'Association of Free Russians' previously held anti-war and anti-Putin rallies at the Russian embassy in Lisbon. 'We hold anti-war and anti-dictatorial rallies on the streets, support political prisoners, talk about civil society initiatives, and help fight the propaganda spread by the regime worldwide,' the association's statement on the website says.
* 'The International LGBT Movement' is recognized as an 'extremist' organization in Russia.