Reports
Civic Space in the Russian Federation: Legal Architecture, Restrictions and Human Rights
- Europe Team
- 12 January 2026
- Civil Society, Human Rights
Scoring 14 out of 100, the Russian Federation’s civic space has been designated closed by CIVICUS – the watchdog organisation that monitors the state of civic space worldwide (CIVICUS, 2024). The downgrading from repressed to closed occurred in late March 2023, approximately one year after the beginning of the aggression against Ukraine. By that time, around 19,000 people had already been detained for anti-war protests; journalists had been attacked, independent media dismantled, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) liquidated, and new legislation punishing dissent had been introduced (CIVICUS, 2023).
Following recent disclosures by ombudsmen advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Russian Federation, a number of looming human rights violations – primarily concentrated in 2025 – have come to light. The cases discussed below were identified in the following Republics: Bashkortostan (3); Sakha Yakutia (5); Chuvasia (1); Tatarstan (3); Karelia (2); Ingermanlandia (4); Buryatia (3); and Udmurtia (3). What clearly emerges is the continuing shrinking of civic space across these territories, suggesting a further – and potentially irreversible – deterioration in the enjoyment of fundamental rights (Free Ombudsman Association, 2025).
This report aims to bring together the multifaceted components of civic space under international law, offering an overview of the numerous legal mechanisms through which it is currently undermined and violated within the legislation of the Russian Federation. In particular, through the analysis of recent legal cases, it is possible to identify the laws, legal provisions and rhetorical framings most commonly used today to justify: (1) the criminalisation of pacifist speech; (2) the repression of activists, human rights defenders, and political prisoners; (3) the crackdown on freedom to assembly and association; (4) censorship and control of information; and (5) the silencing of symbolic and cultural expression.
The following cases do not constitute, and do not intend to constitute, an exhaustive list for the reporting period. Each has been selected as exemplary and particularly relevant to the discussion on civil space restrictions and the hurdles faced by civil society in the Russian Federation. They should therefore be viewed as part of a broader picture that is beyond the scope of this report.
Following recent disclosures by ombudsmen advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Russian Federation, a number of looming human rights violations – primarily concentrated in 2025 – have come to light. The cases discussed below were identified in the following Republics: Bashkortostan (3); Sakha Yakutia (5); Chuvasia (1); Tatarstan (3); Karelia (2); Ingermanlandia (4); Buryatia (3); and Udmurtia (3). What clearly emerges is the continuing shrinking of civic space across these territories, suggesting a further – and potentially irreversible – deterioration in the enjoyment of fundamental rights (Free Ombudsman Association, 2025).
This report aims to bring together the multifaceted components of civic space under international law, offering an overview of the numerous legal mechanisms through which it is currently undermined and violated within the legislation of the Russian Federation. In particular, through the analysis of recent legal cases, it is possible to identify the laws, legal provisions and rhetorical framings most commonly used today to justify: (1) the criminalisation of pacifist speech; (2) the repression of activists, human rights defenders, and political prisoners; (3) the crackdown on freedom to assembly and association; (4) censorship and control of information; and (5) the silencing of symbolic and cultural expression.
The following cases do not constitute, and do not intend to constitute, an exhaustive list for the reporting period. Each has been selected as exemplary and particularly relevant to the discussion on civil space restrictions and the hurdles faced by civil society in the Russian Federation. They should therefore be viewed as part of a broader picture that is beyond the scope of this report.
✨ AI summary
Scoring 14 out of 100, CIVICUS has classified the Russian Federation’s civic space as closed, downgrading it from repressed in March 2023, amid substantial repression linked to the Ukraine conflict and anti-war protests. As of 2025, human rights violations have been reported across several Republics, indicating a further decline in civic space. This report outlines the legal mechanisms undermining civic rights, including laws used to criminalize pacifist speech, repress activists, restrict assembly and association, censor information, and silence cultural expression. Selected cases illustrate the broader challenges civil society faces in Russia.
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