Russia Labels George Washington University as an Undesirable Entity Amid Anti-Russian Allegations

On Monday, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Russia labeled George Washington University as an «undesirable» organization, accusing the American institution of fostering anti-Russian sentiments and disseminating misinformation regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

This classification effectively prohibits the university from operating within Russia. According to Russian legislation, individuals associated with an «undesirable» organization could face prison sentences of up to four years, while those found to be organizing activities for such entities risk up to six years in jail.

Prosecutors claimed that George Washington University had financed media outlets and individuals categorized as «foreign agents,» though they did not provide specific instances or evidence to substantiate their allegations.

The university conducts a well-regarded program in Russia studies and employs several distinguished scholars from both foreign nations and Russia.

In an official statement, prosecutors asserted that the university had «initiated a media platform that aggregates materials from foreign agents and undesirable organizations regarding the socio-political climate in Russia… and urges Washington authorities to enhance sanctions against the country.»

While the prosecutors did not specify the media outlet, their description seemed to align with Russia Post, an expert journalism platform associated with the university’s Russia studies program. The website for Russia Post has previously faced blocking within Russia.

Russia enacted its «undesirable» law in 2015 as a means to suppress independent media, opposition groups, and organizations funded from abroad. Presently, hundreds of entities are on the blacklist, including The Moscow Times.