BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Russian government has designated the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) as undesirable organisation for supporting, protecting and promoting journalists. Russia’s Ministry of Justice announced the designation on January 30, 2026, a classification used to suppress independent civil society groups and press freedom organisations. News Rider reports that the official reasons for the designation was not disclosed even as IWMF was not alerted before the declaration. Launched in 2015, Russia’s 'undesirable organisations' law allows authorities to ban foreign organisations and their materials from the country. The designation, given to organisations deemed threats to national security or constitutional order, exists within a broader crackdown on dissent and independent information. The 'undesirable' label by the Kremlin seeks to silence dissenting voices, restrict access to credible information, and criminalis independent jo...
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