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Фонд «Свободная Россия» | |
| Formation | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | foundation |
President of the foundation | Natalia Arno |
| Website | www |
Free Russia Foundation (Russian: Фонд «Свободная Россия», romanized: Fond «Svobodnaya Rossiya») is a non-profit organization established in 2014 in Washington, D.C., by a group of Russian emigrants.[1] The foundation supports civil society, opposition politicians and human rights advocates, democratic reforms, and human rights in Russia. It also facilitates the integration of Russian emigrants into the international community and conducts research and analysis of the political situation in Russia.[1]
History
[edit]The foundation was established amid the political crisis in Russia, which intensified after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the suppression of domestic opposition. The founders include members of the Russian diaspora, political émigrés, and activists concerned about the decline of political freedoms and democratic institutions in Russia.
The foundation’s main offices are located in Washington, D.C., and Brussels, with branches in Tallinn, Berlin, Warsaw, Kyiv, Lviv, Tbilisi, and Vilnius.[1]
The foundation is funded through private donations, grants from international organizations, and charitable contributions, though the names of donors are not disclosed. Its annual budget is $2 million.[2]
Key Personnel
[edit]- David Kramer — Chair of the Board of Directors,[3] former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, and former president of Freedom House.[4]
- Natalia Arno — President of the foundation[1] (formerly with the International Republican Institute under U.S. Senator John McCain[5]).
- Vladimir Kara-Murza — Vice President of the foundation.[6]
- Vladimir Milov — Vice President for International Advocacy.
- Grigory Frolov — Vice President for Developmen.[7]
- Sergei Aleksashenko — Member of the Board of Directors.[8][9]
Mission and Goals
[edit]The Free Russia Foundation outlines the following key objectives:
- Supporting Russian civil activists who fight for democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech.
- Countering the authoritarian practices of the Russian government on the international stage.
- Providing a platform for discussions and research focused on Russia’s democratic future.
- Offering informational support to Russian citizens who have suffered from political repression.
Activities
[edit]The foundation engages in the following:
- Analysis and Research: Publishing reports and articles on Russia's political situation, corruption, and human rights violations.
- Event Organization: Hosting conferences, roundtables, and other public events to discuss Russia’s democratic prospects.
- Support for Emigrants: Providing programs to assist Russian citizens forced to leave the country for political reasons, including legal and financial aid.
- International Advocacy: Collaborating with the governments of democratic countries to promote sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Russia.
Key Projects
[edit]- Corruption Reports: Publishing analytical reports exposing corruption schemes involving Russian officials.
- Political Prisoner Support Program: Funding legal aid and other measures for individuals persecuted for their beliefs.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public initiatives aimed at drawing attention to repression and political developments in Russia.
Criticism
[edit]The Russian authorities and state media accuse the organization of interfering in internal affairs and discrediting Russia.
In 2019, the Russian Ministry of Justice designated the foundation as an undesirable organization. On June 7, 2024, it was added to the list of extremist organizations.[10][11]
In June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the designation of the foundation as an undesirable organization violated Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and ordered Russia to pay compensation.[12][13]
Legion of Elves
[edit]In 2023, the SVTV publication accused the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) of creating a Elf Farm — a network of commentators allegedly paid to spread anti-Kremlin propaganda on social media. Later, the FBK admitted that they were behind this project.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Свободная Россия. Чем занимается Free Russia Foundation, внесенный в список «экстремистских организаций»". Новая газета Европа (in Russian). 2024-07-26. Archived from the original on 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ Times, Русская служба The Moscow (2024-02-09). "США прекратили финансирование антипутинской фабрики троллей". The Moscow Times (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Russia Justice Ministry Classifies U.S.-Based Free Russia Foundation 'Undesirable'". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2019-06-28. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "David J. Kramer → Free Russia Foundation". Free Russia Foundation. 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ a b "«Обсуждая эльфов, многие забыли, что у нас вообще-то война идет». Президент «Свободной России» Наталия Арно — о «легионе эльфов» и политическом давлении на фонд". Новая газета Европа. 2004-08-01. Archived from the original on 2024-11-03. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Free Russia Foundation • Владимир Кара-Мурза". Free Russia Foundation. 2024-08-20. Archived from the original on 2024-09-07. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Free Russia Foundation • Григорий Фролов". Free Russia Foundation. 2024-05-05. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Санкции против России: что мешает усилению их эффекта?". Голос Америки (in Russian). 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Сергей Алексашенко". Фонд Бориса Немцова (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2024-05-26. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Минюст РФ внес фонд «Свободная Россия» в перечень «экстремистских организаций»". Meduza (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Минюст признал фонд «Свободная Россия» экстремистской организацией". Ведомости (in Russian). 2024-07-26. Archived from the original on 2024-10-01. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ ""Нежелательные" организации в РФ: ЕСПЧ признал нарушения – DW – 18.06.2024". Deutsche Welle (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ "Free Russia Foundation • ЕСПЧ: включение Free Russia Foundation в список нежелательных организаций нарушает Европейскую конвенцию по правам человека". Free Russia Foundation. 2024-06-18. Archived from the original on 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2024-11-28.