The Russian Ministry of Justice declared the UK-based organization Justice for Journalists Foundation as «undesirable». The foundation was established in 2018 by Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Leonid Nevzlin* following the murder of journalists Orkhan Dzhemal, Alexander Rastorguev, and Kirill Radchenko in the Central African Republic. They were investigating the activities of the «Wagner» PMC.
The foundation also helps investigate cases of attacks on media personnel, provides grants to journalists, and organizes safety protocol training for editorial teams.
The register of «undesirable» organizations has been maintained in Russia since 2015. Foreign or international organizations can be recognized as «undesirable» if, in the opinion of the authorities, they pose a «threat to the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the country's defense capability, or state security». Such organizations are prohibited from operating within the country.
Participation in the activities of an «undesirable organization» is punishable by an administrative fine ranging from 5000 to 15000 rubles. In case of a repeated violation within a year after the first fine for participating in the activities of an «undesirable» organization, criminal liability ensues.
* Recognized as «foreign agents» in Russia.