Russian authorities have taken action against American actor George Clooney's nonprofit organization, branding it "undesirable" and effectively banning its operations within the country. The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), established in 2016 by Clooney and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, has been prohibited from functioning in Russia due to its investigation of war crimes in Ukraine.
In a statement released on Telegram, Russia's Prosecutor General's Office accused the foundation of engaging in activities aimed at discrediting Russia "on a Hollywood scale." The office further alleged that the CFJ "actively supports pseudo-patriots who have left the country, members of banned extremist associations and terrorist organizations."
The CFJ, which focuses on investigating human rights abuses globally, states on its website that it is "actively investigating war crimes in Ukraine." This declaration appears to have drawn the ire of Russian officials, leading to the foundation's ban.
The "undesirable" designation is part of a broader crackdown on foreign organizations operating in Russia. Since 2015, when a law was passed allowing the targeting of groups critical of President Vladimir Putin's regime, dozens of foreign charities, think tanks and civil society organizations have faced similar restrictions. This label not only prevents an organization from operating within Russia but also prohibits Russian banks and companies from engaging with them.
The move against the Clooney Foundation for Justice comes amid increasing tensions between Russia and Western nations in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
