The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine notes with concern the recent situation with regard to infringement on basic human rights in the Russian Federation.

On May 23, 2015 President of the Russian Federation signed the law # 129-ФЗ “On Amending Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”. Under the said law, Chapter 29 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is supplemented with Article 284 “On operation on the territory of the Russian Federation of a foreign or international non-governmental organization, whose activity was declared undesirable on the territory of the Russian Federation”.

This legislative act introduces the legal concept of “undesirability” for foreign and international non-government organizations.

We recognize this act as discriminatory and aimed at increasing pressure on the civil society and curbing the freedom of speech, media independence, and political opposition in the Russian Federation. It is also clear demonstration of the continued tacit campaign to suppress dissent and counter any opposition processes in the country.

We urge the Russian side to be consistent in honoring its international commitments, to respect universally recognized criteria of the civilized legal world, and to stop the unlawful practice of introducing schemes aimed at restricting the freedom of speech.