President Putin has approved legislation strengthening Russia's "anti-extremism" laws, according to an announcement on his official website.
Under the new provisions, an entire organization can be labeled "extremist" based solely on the conviction of any "leader, founder, or member" for alleged extremist activities.
The First Department notes: "A single conviction under an 'extremist' charge against one individual can now target everyone associated with a group—whether through online forums, memberships, or shared beliefs—without requiring a formal trial."
Anastasia Burakova, founder of the rights group Ark, told Dozhd that these amendments seek to "eliminate" what remains of civil society. She argues the government views any independent collective activity as a threat.