What's happened
Russia has designated Alexei Navalny’s main organization, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), as a terrorist group. The ruling targets the U.S.-registered ACF, replacing the 2021 extremist label, and aims to suppress dissent and fundraising. Navalny’s allies condemn the move as politically motivated repression.
What's behind the headline?
The Russian government’s decision to label Navalny’s organization as a terrorist group signals a strategic escalation in its crackdown on political opposition. By equating dissent with terrorism, authorities aim to dismantle Navalny’s legacy and silence critics. This move will likely deepen the legal risks for anyone associated with the group, including donors and activists, potentially leading to life sentences. The timing suggests an effort to consolidate control amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine and domestic dissent. The designation also serves as a warning to other civil society groups, indicating that Russia’s crackdown on opposition will intensify, with broader implications for human rights and political freedom. This escalation underscores the Kremlin’s commitment to suppressing dissent through legal and political means, with little regard for international criticism or legal norms.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that the Russian Supreme Court announced the designation, citing claims that ACF promotes terrorism. The court’s decision was made behind closed doors, with the group condemning it as politically motivated. The New York Times highlights that Navalny’s organization had already been labeled extremist in 2021, and the new terrorist label further criminalizes cooperation and donations, with potential life sentences. Both sources emphasize the ongoing pressure on Navalny’s supporters, especially after his death in 2024, and the broader crackdown on dissent. The Moscow Times also notes that authorities have opened over 114 criminal cases related to donations to Navalny-linked groups since 2021, illustrating the sustained effort to dismantle opposition activities.
How we got here
Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Fund was previously labeled extremist in 2021, leading to its liquidation and exile of members. The recent terrorist designation intensifies legal restrictions, criminalizing cooperation and donations. The Russian government has increased pressure on Navalny’s supporters since his death in February 2024, amid broader crackdowns on dissent and opposition.
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