The BRICS TimesKremlin escalates crackdown on the late opposition leader’s network with new severe designation.
A Hardening Crackdown on the ACF
Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday declared Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation a terrorist organization. This ruling is a major escalation in the years-long suppression of the late opposition leader’s network. The decision exposes the group’s supporters and members to much harsher penalties.
The ruling specifically targeted Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), Inc. This entity is registered in the U.S. and has been the main vehicle for Navalny’s movement since 2022. It replaced the initial Anti-Corruption Foundation, or FBK. The original FBK organization was already declared an “undesirable organization” back in 2021.
The Court’s Justification and Precedents
Russian Supreme Court Justice Oleg Nefyodov announced the ruling. He claimed ACF’s goals and activities aim “at promoting, justifying and supporting terrorism.” Justice Nefyodov had previously led cases banning the “international LGBT movement.” He also presided over removing the Taliban from Russia’s terrorist list. The court hearing was completely closed to the public. It also ordered the terrorist designation to immediately take effect.
ACF Condemns the Ruling
The ACF immediately condemned the ruling. They called it an unlawful addition to their existing politically motivated labels. These labels already included “foreign agent” and “undesirable organization.” The group issued a strong statement in response. “It’s Vladimir Putin and his cronies who are the real terrorists — the people who started the war, kill civilians and political opponents, and imprison people for dissent,” the group stated.
The ACF called the new label a political tactic. It aims to suppress fundraising efforts and silence all criticism. They warned that human rights groups and independent media outlets might soon face similar treatment.
Severe Legal Consequences
Amnesty International warned about mass reprisals when the ACF case was filed in October. They cautioned that the terrorist label could “unleash a floodgate of mass reprisals.” Anyone who worked with or donated to the ACF could face sentences up to life in prison. Russian authorities have already opened at least 114 criminal cases. These cases are related to donations to Navalny-linked groups since 2021.
The pressure on Navalny’s movement continues even after his mysterious death. He died in a remote Arctic prison in February 2024. His allies claim unreleased tests show he was poisoned. The Kremlin strongly rejects this claim.
