Moscow (AP) —Russian rights group announced on Sunday that it would shut down for fear of prosecution of members and supporters after Russian authorities blocked the website for publishing content from “undesirable” organizations.

A team of 29 lawyers and journalists specializing in treason and espionage and freedom of information issues said Russian authorities had disseminated content from a Czech non-governmental organization declared “undesirable” in Russia. He said he blamed him on Sunday.

The group’s website was blocked on Friday, despite refusing the charges, and the lawyer said he believed the government’s next step was to prosecute members and supporters.

“In this situation, continuing Team 29’s activities poses a direct and obvious threat to the safety of many people, and the risk cannot be ignored,” the group said, removing all online content. I added that it would be. To avoid risk and for the lawyer to continue to represent the client in a personal position.

The closure of Team 29 begins with pressure on Russian opposition supporters, independent journalists and human rights activists prior to the September Moroccan general election. Voting is widely seen as an important part of President Vladimirputin’s efforts to consolidate his control prior to the 2024 presidential election. A 68-year-old Russian leader who has been in power for more than 20 years could have been able to stay in power until 2036 by pushing for constitutional amendment last year.

In recent months, Russian authorities have increased pressure on independent news media, designating two popular independent media, Medusa and VTimes, as “foreign agents”, outlawing the publisher of Proekt research media and journalists. Was listed as a “foreign agent”. .. Shortly thereafter, VTimes shut down.

Last month, a Moscow court outlawed an organization founded by imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, calling it extremists. The ruling banned people associated with Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation and his vast regional network from looking for public office. Many of Navalny’s allies planned to run for parliamentary seats in Russia’s September 19 elections.

Team 29, including prominent lawyer Ivan Pavlov, was involved in defending the Navalny Foundation in court. In April, Russian authorities filed a criminal procedure against Pavlov, who represents a former Russian journalist accused of treason for disclosing information related to police investigations.