Transparency International, a Germany-based NGO known for its annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI), has been declared a threat to the constitutional order by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office.
The organization has been accused of interfering in the internal affairs of Russia, posing a risk to the foundations of its constitutional order and security.
According to the statement issued by the Prosecutor General’s Office, “It has been established that the activities of this organization clearly go beyond its declared goals and objectives. Formally acting as an organization fighting corruption around the world, it interferes in the internal affairs of the Russian Federation, which poses a threat to the foundations of its constitutional order and security.”
The organization lists among its donors a plethora of Western government agencies and powerful trusts, including Open Society Foundations, the network of controversial businessman and sponsor of left-wing causes, George Soros.
The Russian chapter of Transparency International was declared a foreign agent in 2015.
With Monday’s decision, Russian nationals could face prison time if they worked for the organization, and penalties for giving it financial aid or disseminating its materials.
