July 22--The MacArthur Foundation is shutting its Russian office, citing a crackdown on international organizations by the Russian government.
"The recent passage and implementation of several laws in Russia make it all but impossible for international foundations to operate effectively and support worthy civil society organizations in that country," MacArthur President Julia Stasch wrote in a statement Wednesday.
Stasch specifically mentioned a recent law allowing Russian authorities to declare international organizations "undesirable" if they "present a threat" to Russia.
MacArthur, which has operated in Russia since 1992, defended its work in the country, noting that it has awarded more than $173 million in grants to further higher education and human rights and limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Stasch's statement also noted that the foundation is independent of the U.S. government, receives no funding from it and does not support political activities.
Stasch's statement said that as the organization shuts down operations, it would take "all reasonable steps" to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff and work with grantees to minimize disruption.
crshropshire@tribpub.com
