DGO listed as an “extremist organization” in Russia

Last week, it was announced that the Supreme Court in Russia listed the German Association for Eastern European Studies (DGO) as an "extremist organization" in a decision dated July 25, 2024. The DGO, along with 54 other organizations, is considered part of an "anti-Russian separatist movement," all of which have been labeled as extremist. This makes the DGO the first German institution with this status.

This decision has far-reaching consequences for all individuals who collaborate with the DGO in any way. Membership in, financing of, or cooperation with such an organization can, according to Russian law—specifically § 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Organization of the Activities of an Extremist Organization"—be punishable by imprisonment of up to twelve years. The prosecution is not limited to Russian citizens. Therefore, a clear risk exists for any individuals associated with the DGO.

The classification of the DGO as an “extremist organization” is unfounded. We emphatically reject this. The DGO is currently examining which legal steps are appropriate.

The decision of the Supreme Court to classify the DGO as an extremist organization is yet another* attack on academic freedom. It highlights the continuous escalation of Russia's repressive domestic and aggressive foreign policy.

Berlin, July 30

*On 14 February 2024, the Russian Ministry of Justice listed the DGO as an undesirable organizations.

http://dgo-online.org/informieren/aktuelles/dgo-extremist-organization-russia/