Russia's Justice Ministry has designated UC Berkeley and the Russian-American Science Association (RASA) as 'undesirable' organizations, effectively banning them from Russia. This move comes as a response to the Russian Prosecutor General's Office's approval in February, with their names appearing in the ministry's public 'undesirable' database on Tuesday. The designations carry severe legal consequences, including up to four years in prison for individuals affiliated with these entities and up to six years for organizers. The Moscow Times contacted UC Berkeley for comment, but prosecutors have yet to issue any statements explaining the reasons behind the designations. RASA, a network of Russian-speaking scientists and scholars, aims to foster collaboration and promote scientific and academic exchange between Russian and American researchers. This is not the first time Russia has designated organizations as 'undesirable'; earlier, George Washington University and Yale University faced similar bans. The 'undesirable' law, introduced in 2015, has been used to target independent media, opposition groups, and foreign-funded organizations, with hundreds currently blacklisted, including The Moscow Times. The Moscow Times' journalists are determined to continue their work, but they need support to do so. The publication is facing unprecedented challenges, with their work criminalized and staff at risk of prosecution. The authorities claim their reporting 'discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership,' but The Moscow Times strives to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. The publication invites readers to support their mission by contributing monthly, starting from just $2, to defend open, independent journalism in the face of repression.
