Russia on Friday declared the environmental NGO Greenpeace “undesirable”, de facto banning its activities in a state that has suppressed any critical voice since the start of its offensive in Ukraine, France-Presse and Agerpres reported.

In a statement, the Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia said that Greenpeace International, whose headquarters are in the Netherlands, represents a “threat to the foundations of the constitutional order and security” of Russia and is trying to “overthrow the government by unconstitutional means.” “.

The non-governmental organization, which has had a branch in Russia since 1992, conducts activities in the country, in particular, to raise awareness about climate change, fighting forest fires and preserving animal species.

“It is trying to undermine the economic foundations of Russia”

The prosecutor’s office also accuses Greenpeace of encouraging “interference” in Russia’s internal affairs, of trying to “undermine the economic foundations” and of financing Russian organizations qualified by the authorities as “foreign agents.”

Greenpeace was also criticized for “regularly” conducting information campaigns to “impede the implementation of profitable infrastructure and energy projects” for Russia, the prosecutor’s office also noted.

Prosecutors also accused Greenpeace of conducting “anti-Russian propaganda” and calling for “strengthening sanctions” against Russia since the start of its military campaign in Ukraine.

During forest fires, which occur regularly in Russia, one of the countries most affected by the effects of climate change, Greenpeace professionals and volunteers intervene, for example, to push the authorities to take action.

What are the consequences of entering the list of “undesirable” organizations

In Russia, according to the specialized public organization “OVD-Info”, organizations recognized as “undesirable” are prohibited from opening structures, conducting projects and disseminating information.

With the beginning of the offensive against Ukraine, the Russian authorities greatly accelerated the suppression of critical voices.

Not limited to the political opposition, these repressions affect all spheres, such as the cultural environment and environmental organizations, AFP notes.

In March, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was declared a “foreign agent” in Russia, which significantly complicates its activities in the country.

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