Russia has escalated its crackdown on dissent and international watchdogs, officially banning Human Rights Watch (HRW) as an “undesirable organisation,” a designation that criminalizes any cooperation with the group and forces it to halt all activity inside the country. The decision marks another significant step in the government’s widening campaign against rights advocates, activists, and foreign-linked institutions.

The announcement was made on Friday by Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, which said that HRW’s work posed a threat to national security under a 2015 law that allows authorities to label foreign or international organizations as “undesirable.” Anyone who supports, donates to, or works with such groups can face prosecution.

Human Rights Watch Condemns Decision

HRW, which has monitored human rights violations in Russia and across the former Soviet region since the early 1990s, denounced the ruling.
Philippe Bolopion, the organization’s executive director, said the ban underscores the country’s dramatic shift toward tighter political control.

According to Bolopion, HRW’s mission has remained consistent for decades, but the Russian government has embraced policies that restrict fundamental freedoms and intensify repression, especially since the start of its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Part of Broader Pressure on Kremlin Critics

The ban on HRW comes amid a sweeping effort by Russian authorities to target opposition figures, journalists, civil society groups, and independent media. Multiple organizations have been charged with extremism or labeled as “undesirable,” limiting their ability to operate legally in the country.

On Friday, prosecutors also announced that they were pursuing charges to label the feminist punk collective Pussy Riot as an “extremist” organization. The group has long been known for outspoken criticism of President Vladimir Putin.

Additionally, Russia’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK)—the group founded by the late opposition leader Alexey Navalny—is a “terrorist” organization. This ruling applies particularly to the foundation’s US-registered entity, which became its primary structure after the original Russian office was banned in 2021.

More than 275 Groups Now on Russia’s ‘Undesirable’ List

The list of banned organizations in Russia has grown rapidly and now includes more than 275 international and domestic entities.
Some notable groups include:

• Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
• Chatham House
• Transparency International
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

The expansion reflects the state’s increasing control over public information, political expression, and international engagement.

WhatsApp Faces Possible Nationwide Block

In a separate development, Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor warned that WhatsApp could be blocked entirely if it does not comply with data-sharing rules. Authorities accuse the Meta-owned platform of violating Russian laws concerning crime prevention and anti-terrorism investigations.

Russia has already restricted some WhatsApp features since August, along with limiting parts of Telegram, claiming the platforms refused to cooperate with law enforcement.

“If the messaging service continues to fail to meet the demands of Russian legislation, it will be completely blocked,” Roskomnadzor told the Interfax news agency.

WhatsApp has argued that Russia’s demands would compromise secure communication for millions of users.

Government Promotes State-Backed Messaging App MAX

As scrutiny on foreign apps intensifies, Russian authorities are encouraging the use of a domestically developed messaging platform called MAX.
Critics argue that the state-backed app raises concerns about surveillance and user privacy, though government media have dismissed these claims.

A New Phase in Russia’s Information Control Strategy

Analysts say the ban on HRW, combined with the targeting of other groups, signals a deepening effort by Russia to curb both international scrutiny and domestic dissent.
Rights observers warn that such moves further isolate Russian civil society and restrict opportunities for independent reporting, advocacy, and public oversight.