The formal reason for banning the foundation in Russia was that it is part of the 'Global Network of Investigative Journalists' and is associated with the 'EU-Russia Civil Society Forum', which cooperates with the 'Network of Investigative Journalists', as noted in a statement on the agency's website. All three organizations had previously been recognized as 'undesirable'.
According to its charter, the foundation's goals are to provide conditions for the unhindered work of journalists, and to assist media representatives in their 'investigations'. In reality, the organization is focused on tarnishing Russia, including through relevant publications on the Internet, as well as implementing programs and projects that discredit the policy of our country and its leadership,” the Prosecutor General's Office reported.
'Foundation 19/29' supports independent journalists and bloggers in conducting investigations using modern technologies. After being included in the list of 'foreign agents' in 2015, the organization moved from Russia to the Czech Republic.
The register of 'undesirable' organizations has been maintained in Russia since 2015. Foreign or international organizations that, in the opinion of 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 recognized as 'undesirable'. Such organizations are prohibited from operating in 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 the 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 year to four years. Moreover, this also applies to participation in activities outside of Russia.
* Recognized as a 'foreign agent' in Russia.