Russia has labeled Amnesty International an "undesirable organization," effectively outlawing the global human rights group and making it punishable under Russian law to have any association with it.

Russia's Prosecutor General said in astatementon May 19 the move was taken because Amnesty "is the center of preparation of global Russophobic projects."

There was no immediate comment from Amnesty International, which was awarded the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize for its "defense of human dignity against torture" and the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978.

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Russia claims organizations on the list are a threat to the country's national security. However, experts say it is just an attempt by Russian authorities to snuff out any voices that don't align with the Kremlin's views.

Dozens of media outlets, organizations engaged in political, cultural, and educational activities, support for democratic institutions, as well as religious organizations have been put on the list in recent years.

In January 2024, Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertywas placedon the list.

Russian citizens face up to five years in prison for cooperating with "undesirable" organizations or aiding in their financing within Russia.