Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced criticism from Western leaders for restrictions imposed on rights groups and NGOs operating in the country, and the issue is often cited as an example of Russia's alleged "backsliding" on democracy. In particular, an April law imposed more stringent and complicated financial reporting and registration requirements for NGOs.
A spokesman for the service said Wednesday that the activities of foreign NGOs who do not meet state requirements "will be suspended for six months from the date the new procedure comes into force, i.e. after October 18, 2006."
"The requirement to submit corresponding notification by October 18, 2006 applies only to sub-divisions of foreign NGOs working in Russia on the basis of formerly applicable regulations, before the passing of the new procedure," he said.
Russian politicians have defended the April law, saying that NGOs helped "color revolutions" in neighboring ex-Soviet countries, particularly Ukraine and Georgia, which swept away the ruling elite in favor of West-leaning authorities in 2004 and 2003.
