The Russian Ministry of Justice has added the German nonprofit human rights organization Quarteera e. V. to its registry of “undesirable organizations.” This designation declares any of the organization’s activities in Russia a “threat to the constitutional order” and makes any contact with it subject to criminal prosecution.
Why the Ministry of Justice Targeted Quarteera
Quarteera (the name is a play on the words queer and art and the German Quartier, meaning “apartment”) was founded in Berlin in April 2011 by activists from post-Soviet countries. Over 15 years, the project has grown from a volunteer association into the leading platform providing institutional support to the Russian-speaking queer community in Germany and the European Union:
- Support for refugees: Providing legal, psychological, and social counseling to people fleeing persecution, violence, and discrimination in Russia, Belarus, and other countries.
- Human rights advocacy and integration: Supporting migrants throughout every stage of the asylum process in Germany and organizing language courses, shelters, and support groups.
- Opposing aggression: The organization participates in international advocacy campaigns, strongly condemns Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and assists Ukrainian refugees.
The Russian authorities have systematically designated key émigré human rights organizations as “undesirable” and “extremist.” The decision was prompted by Quarteera’s public anti-war stance and its work to rescue victims of Russia’s repressive laws.
What Quarteera itself says
The organization emphasizes that Quarteera is registered and operates in strict compliance with German law. The decision by the Russian Ministry of Justice has no legal force in the European Union and will not affect the work of its Berlin headquarters in any way.
The human rights advocates continue to accept requests for immigration, psychological, and social support. Nevertheless, the team urges those who may still be within reach of Russian security forces to practice good digital hygiene:
- Posts and links: It is recommended that you hide or delete old posts, reposts, tags, and mentions that reveal a connection to the organization.
- Request to delete personal data: By emailing [email protected], you can ask the administrators to remove your name, photos, or comments from the website and social media Quarteera.
- Finances: To avoid the risk of being charged with “financing an undesirable organization,” Russian citizens should temporarily refrain from making direct donations until further legal clarification is available.
- Requests for assistance: Private, non-public communications and consultations do not automatically incur liability.
Doberman.media's position
The Doberman.media editorial team considers Quarteera e. V. a friend and strategic partner. Our team expresses its full solidarity with our Berlin colleagues. We share a commitment to human rights, oppose the Kremlin's military aggression, and will continue to cover the work of Quarteera, despite its inclusion on repressive lists maintained by Russian authorities.
To contact human rights defenders regarding assistance or their work, please write to: [email protected].
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