Moscow: Russia today banned the activities of several international organizations on its territory, including Human Rights Watch.

According to Qatar News Agency, Moscow authorities issued a list of "undesirable" organizations, naming Human Rights Watch, the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace, Transparency International, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The decree states that anyone dealing with or donating money to these organizations is subject to prosecution, effectively banning their activities within Russia. The government has not provided any reasons for this decision.

Since Russia launched its military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, the Ministry of Justice has banned the activities of dozens of organizations. Human Rights Watch, which was among the banned groups, had closed its offices in Russia in 2022 after accusing the Russian military of committing a "series of violations," allegations that Moscow denies.