Russian lawmakers adopt legislation banning people linked to ‘extremist organizations’ from running in elections

The Russian State Duma has adopted the so-called “anti-FBK law” in its third and final reading. The legislation bans people “involved in the activities” of outlawed extremist and terrorist organizations from running in elections in Russia at all levels.

The legislation bans the founders and leaders of outlawed groups (including the heads structural and regional subdivision and their deputies) who worked within the organization during the three years prior to its designation as “extremist” or “terrorist” from being elected at any level for a period of five years.

In addition, the legislation stipulates that a three-year ban on being elected applies to anyone who was a member or an employee of an “extremist” or “terrorist” organization, or assisted in its work, during the year prior to the court ruling on dissolving the group or banning its activities.

The initial version of the legislation only outlined a ban on being elected to the Russian State Duma, however, it was amended to include elections on all levels ahead of the second reading, which took place on May 25.

The above-mentioned bill was submitted to the State Duma shortly after prosecutors in Moscow filed a lawsuit demanding that the city declare Alexey Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (the FBK) and political network “extremist” organizations. The media subsequently began referring to the initiative as the “anti-FBK law.” The court hearing on the claim is scheduled for June 9.

Navalny’s chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, has warned that the legislation threatens anyone who worked for “Team Navalny” or made donations to organizations associated with the opposition politician.