According to the statement of the agency, 'under the guise of educational and cultural activities, organizing various educational events, under the pretext of teaching English' British Council 'promotes long-term British interests and values in the field of education, culture, and youth policy'. In addition, the agency claims that the organization 'actively promotes and supports the LGBT movement, which is banned in our country'.
British Council is a public organization accountable to the UK Foreign Office. It supports English language learning (in particular, participates in organizing IELTS tests), funds international educational programs, and develops cultural ties between the UK and other countries.
The organization operates in more than 200 countries and territories and has offices in more than 100 countries.
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 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, starting with fines from 300 to 500 thousand rubles to imprisonment from one year to four years. Moreover, this also applies to participation in activities outside of Russia.