It has come to our attention that the Russian government has declared the Anarchist Black Cross Federation an “undesirable organization” under the Russian Undesirable Organizations Law. Such organizations are forbidden from holding public events and from possessing or distributing promotional materials. Russian banks and financial institutions are forbidden from cooperating with “undesirable organizations” and are required to monitor and report any financial activity. Supporting or participating in such organizations carry a sentence of six years in prison.

It should be noted that the Anarchist Black Cross Federation does not exist within the borders controlled and occupied by the Russian government. While there are Anarchist Black Cross organizations, they are not associated with our organization in any way. In fact, it seems that out of concern or fear of being prosecuted under this law, they have politely distance themselves from us and have severed any contact. We do understand such actions and do not wish to cause them any further harm. We hope they are not affected by this recent decree by the Russian government. Again, we wish to make clear, they are not part of, nor do they associate with, the Anarchist Black Cross Federation. However, we do not believe that such a clarification will hold any weight for a state wishing to impose its will.

Regarding our response to the recent categorization of the Anarchist Black Cross Federation as an “undesirable organization.” It is with great honor that we accept this award. Since the days that the movement used the banner “Anarchist Red Cross”, it has been deemed illegal by tsarist government and every government that has followed. To join the ranks of such comrades can only delight our hearts and cause us to double down in our dedication to inform the world of the abuse endured by our imprisoned comrades. We will continue to call for solidarity and mutual aid for these comrades who exist in Russia and elsewhere in the world. 

We will end by stating that we, too, find the Russian government an “undesirable organization” and do not wish for it to continue its existence within the borders of Russia and the areas currently occupied. However, we will hold our mutual disdain from a distance. We do ask that other organizations continue to support our anarchist comrades held in Russian prisons and those who work to support them inside the borders controlled by this undesirable state. 

Love and Rage,

A member of the LA ABC