Putin: Inspections of NGOs legal, agree with Russian laws

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Prosecutor General’s Office inspections of non-governmental organizations are probing into the legality of actions by all bodies of state power and regional, municipal, and public organizations. “I believe that in this case all checks are expected to establish to what extent the activity of this or that non-governmental organization agrees with the laws of the Russian Federation,” Putin said. He also asked Human Rights Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin to exercise control over the process to avoid excesses. The head of state added that he did not know all the details. “But they will be received and checked,” Putin said. “It’s necessary to bring their activities in line with the laws of the Russian Federation. I would certainly ask you to keep the situation under control for your part so that I could have a source of additional information. I would also like you to avoid any excesses,” Putin told Lukin. He added that the Prosecutor General’s Office inspections were just routine events. “They are reflecting the desire of law enforcers to bring the activities of the aforesaid organizations in line with the law,” Putin explained.