NewsRussia bans George Clooney Foundation, citing anti-state activities

Russia bans George Clooney Foundation, citing anti-state activities

George Clooney has a problem in Russia. It's about his foundation.
George Clooney has a problem in Russia. It's about his foundation.
Images source: © Getty Images | The Washington Post
Jakub Artych

19 August 2024 12:02

The General Prosecutor's Office in Russia has declared the George Clooney Foundation for Justice an "undesirable organization" in Russia. According to the prosecutor's office, under the guise of humanitarian ideals, the foundation's representatives promote initiatives to hold Russia's highest authorities accountable.

On Monday, August 19, the Russian General Prosecutor's Office announced a ban on the charitable activities of the foundation created by American film star George Clooney and his wife, Amal.

As "The Moscow Times" emphasizes, the Russian authorities have considered the activities of the Clooney Foundation for Justice "undesirable in their country."

In an official statement, it was declared that the organization engages in extensive efforts to discredit Russia, actively supports false patriots, and is a member of banned terrorist and extremist groups.

According to the prosecutor's office, under the guise of humanitarian ideals, the foundation's representatives promote initiatives aimed at holding Russia's highest authorities accountable.

These combatants from Madison Avenue hide behind humanitarian ideals to promote initiatives aimed at prosecuting senior Russian officials, publicly defaming, among others, a Russian foreign agent - highlights the Russian General Prosecutor's Office.

How does the George Clooney Foundation work?

In July, the Clooney Foundation, along with several other non-governmental organizations, filed a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee, accusing Russia of human rights violations regarding Ukrainians killed in a missile attack on Vinnytsia in 2022.

The "undesirable" status requires organizations to cease their activities in Russia and means that Russians collaborating with these organizations, financing them, or working for them may also be held legally liable.

This decision forces the foundation to end its activities in the Russian Federation, putting the future of humanitarian efforts and human rights defence in the region, which were so far supported by the organization founded by Amal and George Clooney, in question.

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