Russia Declares Elton John AIDS Foundation ‘Undesirable’

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has officially banned the Elton John AIDS Foundation, labeling the organization as “undesirable” and accusing it of promoting harmful propaganda.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Russian authorities claimed that the charity, founded by British music icon Elton John in the early 1990s, operates under the guise of humanitarian efforts while allegedly supporting Western economic pressure on Russia. The agency further argued that the foundation’s advocacy for LGBTQ rights contradicts traditional family values.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation, which is registered in both the United Kingdom and the United States, receives significant financial backing from Western billionaires and entertainment industry leaders, including AEG Presents. The organization states that its primary mission is to assist individuals living with AIDS and to promote acceptance of sexual minorities.

Elton John, 78, is an openly gay, globally celebrated musician and philanthropist. He was knighted in 1998 for his contributions to music and charity. The Russian authorities claim he is complicit in spreading Western cultural influence.

The ruling means that the foundation can no longer legally operate in Russia, and any Russian individuals or entities found collaborating with it could face legal repercussions. Russia’s Justice Ministry maintains a list of more than 200 “undesirable” organizations, including the Open Society Foundations established by George Soros, the German Marshall Fund, and the Atlantic Council, a pro-NATO think tank.

According to its 2023 annual report, the Elton John AIDS Foundation had issued grants within Russia, though it did not disclose details. The ban follows a broader crackdown on LGBTQ-related activities in Russia, including the classification of the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist group in 2023, on the grounds that it allegedly fosters social and religious discord within the country.

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