The Russian government has officially designated the Clooney Foundation for Justice, founded by Hollywood actor George Clooney, as an “undesirable organization” on Russian territory, accusing it of discrediting the nation.
The decision, announced on Monday by the Russian General Prosecutor’s Office, claimed the foundation, established in New York in 2016 by George Clooney and his wife, lawyer Amal Clooney, had been involved in activities aimed at “undermining Russia”.
The authorities alleged the foundation supported “false patriots” and members of banned extremist groups who had fled the country, and was engaged in efforts to prosecute Russia’s top leadership.
Additionally, the foundation was accused of circulating “negative, pseudo-expert assessments” of Russian legislation and disclosing information about foreign agents and Russian NGOs.
Under Russian law, organizations labeled as “undesirable” are banned from operating within the country, with violations leading to administrative and criminal penalties.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice is renowned for providing free legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses in over 40 countries. Following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the foundation intensified its focus on investigating potential war crimes, preparing a series of lawsuits against senior Russian officials.
