Russia labels German academic body ‘undesirable’

Research collaborations could result in fines or imprisonment

The Russian Ministry of Justice has placed the German Association for East European Studies (DGO) on its list of undesirable organisations, prohibiting it from operating in the country, the DGO said.

A statement from the association warned Russian nationals and organisations that they could be committing a criminal offence if they cooperate with the DGO. This also applies to anyone participating in events or contributing to publications, with penalties including fines and, in the case of repeat offences, imprisonment of up to six years, it said.