Russian leaders have officially banned the group Human Rights Watch. They called it an "undesirable organization." This means the group's work in Russia is now illegal. The law says that anyone who works with or helps the group can be charged with a crime. This law was first made in 2015.
The government said this decision protects Russia's safety. This is part of a bigger action against people and groups who criticize the government. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, these actions have increased. The government often uses laws to stop journalists, activists, and other independent groups.
A leader from Human Rights Watch said his group has worked for 30 years to report on human rights in Russia. He said the Russian government is becoming more authoritarian and is repressing its people.
At the same time, Russia is also taking action against other groups. The government wants to call the protest group Pussy Riot "extremist." Russia's highest court also called Alexey Navalny's organization a "terrorist" group. Navalny was the government's main critic and died in prison recently. These actions make it very difficult for independent groups to work in Russia.