Omsk Photo Сlub 'Co-existence' was founded in 2007 by graduates of the photo school of the same name. The club supported young photographers and organized photography exhibitions. In 2015, the founder of 'Co-existence', Vasily Melnichenko, was one of the organizers of the Space of Plurality art festival, where sculptures from household waste were exhibited. One of the sculptures depicted Jesus Christ, which caused discontent between the church and Omsk officials. Soon after the festival, the Ministry of Justice entered the Photo Сlub 'Co-existence' into the register of non-profit organizations—'foreign agents'. As a result, the photo club was forced to close.
Name
Omsk City Public Organization 'Photo Сlub 'Co-existence'
Field of activity
Labor unions and professional organizations
Status
“Foreign agent” (NGO)
Reason for recognition
'Photo Club Сo-Existence' was recognised as a 'foreign agent' after an inspection by the Ministry of Justice, which revealed that the organisation was engaged in political activities. In the 'sources of funding' column of the register it was stated that the club received or planned to receive money from the US Department of State.
Year of recognition
2015
Status description
Since 2012, such status can be obtained by non-profit organizations registered in Russia, and from 2020 unregistered public associations, which, according to the Russian government:
a) receive foreign funding,
b) participate in “political activity,” which is understood as any public activity.
Who recognizes:
Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.
Responsibilities:
NPO-"foreign agents” are required to provide a report on their activities, audit reports, and data on the organization’s pe...
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