Russian Charities Barred From Supporting Political Parties

Nonprofit groups in Russia have been stripped of the ability to financially support political parities, after President Vladimir Putin signed a regulatory measure earlier this week, reports Interfax.

The law forbids charities from donating to parties, to their regional branches, and to election and referendum funds. It places similar restrictions on foreign citizens, international organizations, and city and state governments, none of which are allowed to donate.

The law had passed both Russian houses of Parliament, the Duma and the Federation Council, by late December and was signed by Mr. Putin a week later, just before the new year.