18/12/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 18 December, the EU supported the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights’ call on Russia to repeal the legislation on NGOs recognised as so-called ‘foreign agents’ and the new legislation, envisaged by the Duma, which would further restrict the activities of foreign NGOs and NGOs recognised as ‘foreign agents’ by broadening the definition of foreign agents. The spokesperson for the European External Action Service stressed that the legislation on foreign agents contributes to a systematic infringement of basic freedoms, and restricts civil society, independent media and the rights of political opposition in Russia. The 2012 law “goes against Russia’s obligations and commitments under European and international human rights law, including the relevant Venice Commission opinions”, the Commissioner warned. (CG)