MOSCOW, May 22 (UPI) -- A new Russian law, empowering the government to bar "undesirable" foreign organizations, was criticized by human rights organizations.
The law allows officials to ban any organization they regard as harmful to Russia's "constitutional order, defense capabilities or security," and was overwhelmingly passed in both the Parliament and the Federation Council this week. Vaguely worded and mentioning jail sentences and fines for those engaged in "involvement" with "undesirable" groups, the law awaits the signature of President Vladimir Putin.