How to Interact with RDS: The Consequences of Being an “Undesirable Organisation”
In September, Russian Democratic Society was designated an “undesirable organisation” in Russia. What does this mean for our supporters? We are finally ready to explain everything in detail.
What does it mean to be designated “undesirable”?
Law No. 272-FZ gives the Prosecutor General’s Office the power to designate a foreign non-governmental organisation as “undesirable” if it: 1) threatens the foundations of Russia’s constitutional order, the country’s defence capabilities or state security; or 2) acts as an intermediary for another undesirable organisation. Following the Prosecutor’s Office’s decision, the Ministry of Justice adds the organisation to a special register. The restrictions come into force on the date the organisation is added to the register (not the date of the Prosecutor’s Office’s decision!). In the case of RDS, this was 11 September 2026.
What risks does the designation entail?
The activities of an undesirable organisation are effectively banned within Russia. More importantly, in our case, Russian citizens are prohibited from participating in RDS activities even outside Russia(!).
Under which articles can people be prosecuted?
Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation, Article 20.33
Participation in RDS activities carries a fine of between 5,000 and 15,000 roubles for individuals.
Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Article 284.1 (1)
If you have already been penalised under the article above (or under Article 330.3 of the Criminal Code, which concerns carrying out the activities of an international organisation in Russia without registration), you face a fine of between 300,000 and 500,000 roubles, compulsory or forced labour, or imprisonment for a term of one to four years.
Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Article 284.1 (2)
Collecting money, making transfers and providing financial services for RDS are punishable by compulsory or forced labour, or imprisonment for a term of one to five years.
Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Article 284.1 (3)
If you “organise the activities” of RDS, organise our rallies or call on people to join us, you may face compulsory or forced labour, or imprisonment for a term of two to six years.
What should you be wary of?
Financial transactions, above all. Buying tickets to our events or merchandise from our shop, donating to us on Patreon and other monetary transactions can lead to criminal prosecution.
Calling on people to join RDS and taking part in our events as an organiser. These activities can also lead to criminal prosecution.
Reposting and sharing links to our materials (including old ones!). This is considered participation and could result in a fine. The main danger is that Russian courts consider online content to constitute “continuing offences”. This means that you can be prosecuted even for reposts made long before RDS was designated an undesirable organisation.
Taking part in our events or projects. This can result in an administrative fine.
Having your phone searched at the Russian border. This advice goes far beyond the specific case of RDS, but an inspection of your phone by border officials carries the greatest risk of exposing your connection to RDS. We strongly advise against travelling to Russia. However, if you have no choice, make sure that the contents of your devices are beyond reproach.
What is still allowed?
It’s not all bad news! You can still read RDS content, subscribe to our channels and like our posts. We can also continue to promote other people’s projects — doing so is safe for their organisers. For example, every month we share an announcement for the letter-writing evening in London. This is not our event, so attending it does not become any riskier simply because you read about it on our social media. Furthermore, any transfers, event attendance and cooperation with us before 11 September 2026 were lawful. The only exception is the “continuing offences” involving online content described above.
How will RDS activities change?
First, there will be less photography at our events. Unfortunately, we will no longer be able to publish photographs showing people’s faces unless they have given their consent (you may already have noticed this with Ivan Philippov’s lectures). Second, we will introduce a cash payment option for event tickets, making such payments virtually impossible to trace. Third, we have decided to discontinue our cultural club. We concluded that it was not worth exposing people who simply wanted to get together and discuss books and films about England to the risk of persecution. The club will therefore continue independently, without any connection to RDS.
What does the future hold?
RDS emerged in difficult times, in the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as a grassroots protest movement. Our activists have always understood that this kind of work carries the risk of persecution. Four years later, those risks have become a reality. But we have no intention of stopping. We will continue our work, organise events, help people, and speak out against war and dictatorship. As long as there is a need for RDS, we are not going anywhere.
