Russian General Prosecutor’s Office Labels Elton John AIDS Foundation as ‘Undesirable’ Accuses of Propaganda
The Russian General Prosecutor’s Office has classified the Elton John AIDS Foundation in Russia as “undesirable” and accused it of being involved in harmful propaganda campaigns. The authority views the foundation’s core initiatives, which advocate for the LGBTQ community, as a threat to traditional family values.
In a statement published on Thursday, the Russian authorities accused the charity, founded by the British pop star in the 1990s, of using “humanitarian projects as a cover” and of working closely with international institutions that promote the economic isolation of Russia. Since the start of the military operation, the foundation has been part of a Western information campaign to discredit Russia and cooperates with non-governmental organizations in the country that are classified as foreign agents.
The focus of the organization, however, goes beyond supporting AIDS patients, as it also promotes non-traditional sexual relationships, Western family models and gender reassignment. States that defend traditional moral and spiritual values are criticized by the foundation.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation is registered in both the UK and the US, with a budget mainly consisting of donations from Western billionaires and entertainment industry companies like AEG Presents. Its declared goal is to support people with AIDS.
Elton John, 78, an openly gay man and a world-renowned musician, was knighted in 1998 for his artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts. The Russian statement accuses him of “playing along” in the attempt to impose Western culture on other countries.
The classification as “undesirable” prohibits the organization from operating in Russia and brings legal consequences for local residents and businesses that engage in financial transactions with it. The Russian Justice Ministry maintains a list of over 200 such groups, including Western lobby organizations like the Open Society Foundations of George Soros, the German Marshall Fund and the Atlantic Council, a pro-NATO think tank.