Russian authorities designated a record 65 companies as unwanted in 2024, the independent news site Vyorstka reported Tuesday, citing government data.Since the lists introduction in 2015, Russias Justice Ministry has utilized the unwanted classification to target independent media, opposition groups and foreign organizations.
Being contributed to the list efficiently bans an organization from operating in the nation and exposes staff members and affiliates to criminal prosecution.In the first five years of the lists existence, no more than 4 companies were added annually, Vyorstka noted.
However, the number of designations has actually surged given that 2020 and increased further following Russias full-scale intrusion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In 2024, the Justice Ministry included 65 companies to the unfavorable list.
The biggest share of these groups are involved in political activism and supporting democratic organizations, followed by cultural, religious and human rights companies, in addition to media outlets.Russian authorities added The Moscow Times to the list in July.Later on Tuesday, the Justice Ministry likewise designated Help Heroes of Ukraine a charity that gathers products for Ukraines military as undesirable.
This organization was not included in Vyorstkas tally, as its designation was issued on Dec.
24 and had not been completed when the report was published.The overall number of organizations on the undesirable list now stands at 187.