MOSCOW, June 1 – The Russian government is taking steps to retaliate against the Clooney Foundation for Justice after it urged for prosecution of Russian journalists. Vasily Piskarev, head of the State Duma Commission on Investigation into Foreign Interference in Russia’s Internal Affairs, announced that lawmakers will debate whether or not to label the foundation as “undesirable” within the country.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice, an organization founded by actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney, has been criticized for its call to prosecute Russian journalists who have been allegedly involved in spreading disinformation and propaganda. In response to this move by the US-based NGO, Piskarev stated that it will not go unanswered, and lawmakers will discuss recognizing the activity of the organization and its supporters as undesirable within Russia.
The State Duma Commission on Investigation into Foreign Interference in Russia’s Internal Affairs has been focused on investigating foreign interference, particularly from the United States. The commission’s Telegram channel shared Piskarev’s statement, highlighting that Russian lawmakers will not tolerate foreign organizations attempting to influence its media landscape and target its citizens.
This is not the first time Russia has taken steps to counteract perceived foreign influence in its media industry. In recent years, the country has imposed strict laws on foreign ownership of media outlets, limiting their ability to shape public opinion and control the flow of information within the nation. By considering designating the Clooney Foundation for Justice as undesirable, Russia is once again asserting its sovereignty and autonomy in determining how information is disseminated within its borders.
The move by Russian lawmakers reflects a growing global concern over foreign interference in domestic affairs. As nations increasingly grapple with the influence of external actors on their media and information landscapes, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold between Russia and the Clooney Foundation for Justice.