The Russian General Prosecutor's Office has officially designated the Clooney Foundation for Justice as an 'undesirable organization,' effectively prohibiting its operations within the country.

This decision, announced on August 19, was justified by the authorities as a response to the foundation's efforts to discredit Russia.

The Prosecutor General's Office claims the foundation's activities support extremist groups, although no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations.

Being labeled as 'undesirable' carries severe consequences in Russia, including potential criminal penalties for individuals associated with such organizations.

This designation is part of a broader trend of increasing restrictions on non-governmental organizations in Russia, which have been in place since 2015.

Since the onset of the military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, reminiscent of the repressive measures seen during the Soviet era.

The Clooney Foundation, founded by actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, is dedicated to investigating mass human rights abuses and supporting victims, particularly in relation to war crimes in Ukraine.

In July, the foundation, alongside other NGOs, filed a lawsuit against Russia at the UN Human Rights Committee, alleging human rights violations linked to a missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia.

Furthermore, in October 2023, the foundation reported suspected Russian war crimes to the German Federal Prosecutor's Office, providing substantial evidence including testimonies, photographs, and videos.

The evidence presented by the foundation highlighted several war crimes, including a missile attack on a tourist area in the Odessa region and the torture and execution of four men by Russian troops in occupied Kharkiv.

Critics of the Russian government's classification of 'undesirable organizations' argue that the laws lack clear legal standards, raising concerns about arbitrary enforcement.

As of now, the Clooney Foundation has not publicly commented on the designation or the ongoing situation.