Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on Wednesday documenting the Russian government’s crackdown on fundamental civic liberties following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The report, titled “Russia’s Legislative Minefield: Tripwires for Civil Society since 2020,” underscores that the suppression is a continuation of an existing trend that has continued for more than a decade. According to the report, the Russian government has sequentially dismantled civic freedoms, resulting in the imprisonment of hundreds of people under repressive laws, creating an atmosphere in which free expression on multiple issues is nearly impossible, and prompting many dissidents, reporters, and activists to go into exile.
The report lists a number of restrictive regulations, including those targeting “foreign agents,” public assembly, voting rights, and freedom of speech. It highlights that Russia’s “foreign agents” statute, which originally came into effect in 2012, has been broadened to label any independently critical individual or institution as “foreign,” damaging their credibility and exposing them to extreme penalties such as jail and loss of citizenship for naturalized citizens. Additionally, the report indicated that there were certain legislative changes which were explicitly aimed at the LGBTQ+ community, further entrenching prejudice and violence against these individuals under existing anti-gay propaganda legislation.
The report also points out that following the invasion of Ukraine, numerous laws were quickly enacted to censor information about the military’s decisions, with serious consequences for those who deviated from the official narrative, highlighting that over 480 people have been prosecuted under these war censorship laws. In furtherance of the conclusions highlighted in its 205-page study, the organization pressed the Russian government to abolish these oppressive regulations and work towards creating an atmosphere favourable to civil society, emphasizing that the country’s present trajectory is a return to previous tyranny rather than a step forward for rights.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has routinely reported on Russia’s worsening human rights situation over the last decade, recording several human rights breaches in Russia over the years, including limitations on freedom of speech, assembly, and association, as well as assaults on activists and journalists. A 2013 report concluded that 2012 was the worst year for human rights in Russia since the demise of the Soviet Union, highlighting the Russian government’s clampdown on dissent and civil society.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022 after years of rising tensions following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation,” which resulted in attacks on key Ukrainian cities. In response, Ukraine proclaimed martial law and mobilized its troops, putting up significant opposition. The invasion sparked global indignation, leading to heavy sanctions against Russia and increasing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine from Western countries. The conflict has culminated in a significant number of deaths and extensive destruction, escalating geopolitical tensions and boosting concerns about security across Europe.
