Russia has adopted a new law that enables prosecutors to shut down those foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are deemed threatening to the country’s constitutional order or security.

According to the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed the bill into law barring such NGOs.

It said in a statement that based on the new legislation, authorities are allowed to ban foreign NGOs considered as threatening Russia’s “defense capabilities” or “constitutional foundations.”

The law, which had been passed by the parliament earlier this month, also permits officials to block the bank accounts of the organizations until the NGOs “account for their actions” to the Russian authorities.

Lawmakers said the legislation is needed to stop “destructive organizations” working in Russia, which could endanger the “value of the Russian state.”

Back in 2012, a law was passed under which the NGOs that receive foreign funds must register as a “foreign agent.” The new legislation complements that law.

The recent measure by Moscow has drawn reactions from the United States and some rights organizations, with Washington as well as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticizing the move.

MR/HSN/HJL