The Prosecutor General's Office declared the Russian emigrant community in Berlin 'Demokrati-JA' an 'undesirable' organization. According to the agency, 'Demokrati-JA' is focused on creating a 'totalitarian image of our country' and inciting interethnic hatred. 'They demand the introduction of trade, gas, and oil embargoes, support Kyiv neo-Nazis, justify their crimes against civilians,' stated the Prosecutor General's Office.
In the official account of the agency, Russian emigrants in Berlin are called 'champions of Western values' who with 'German pedantry' attend Russophobic events, 'for participation in which they are well paid'.
'Demokrati-JA' is a Russian emigrant community in Berlin, formed in the wave of protests in early 2021 after Alexei Navalny's return to Russia. The activists themselves note that they actively participate in the worldwide anti-war movement of Russian grassroots initiatives. 'With every step we take, we strive to bring about the end of the criminal Putin regime and create conditions for democratic transformations in Russia. We believe the path to this lies through civic education, as well as the development and support of communities,' the community notes.
The register of 'undesirable' organizations has been maintained in Russia since 2015. 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 recognized as 'undesirable'. Such organizations are prohibited from conducting activities on the territory of 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 ensues, 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.