The Prosecutor General's Office recognized the American organization Hope Harbor Society (HHS), based in Florida, as "undesirable." According to the agency, it coordinates anti-Russian actions, recruits supporters of the protest movement, and supports those involved in attacks on Russian territory. In addition, HHS allegedly collects money for Ukrainian armed formations.
"Sunny Florida has become a haven for pseudo-patriots who declared themselves "peaceful" fighters against the regime. Members of the organization Hope Harbor Society from the east coast of the USA coordinate anti-Russian actions and recruit new supporters," the agency's press release states.
The organization was founded in Florida in January 2024. On social media, Hope Harbor Society writes that it helps refugees and victims affected by wars and repressive regimes. The participants call themselves a group of Russians with "common views on what is happening in the country."
The register of "undesirable" organizations has been maintained in Russia since 2015. Foreign or international organizations can be recognized as "undesirable" if, in the opinion of the authorities, they pose a "threat to the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the country's defense capability, or state security." Such organizations are prohibited from operating in the country.
Participation in the activities of an "undesirable organization" is punishable by administrative liability in the form of a fine from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. In case of a repeated violation within a year after the first fine for participation in the activities of an "undesirable" organization, criminal liability arises, starting with fines from 300 to 500 thousand rubles to imprisonment from one to four years. Moreover, this also applies to participation in activities outside of Russia.