The Russian state may come to regret outlawing Navalny’s organisations | Greg Afinogenov

In closing a vital safety valve for Russia's young reformists, the regime is endangering its own future

On Wednesday 9 June, the Moscow city court issued a decision designating a range of organisations associated with Alexei Navalny - including the most important, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) - as extremist.

By Russian law, this equates them with Isis, making it illegal to collect money, recruit members, disseminate information, or participate in elections on Russian soil. The court endorsed the state prosecutor's argument that Navalny's supporters were planning to destabilise Russia in a colour revolution scenario," using liberal slogans" as cover for their nefarious plans. In terms of its effects, it may be the most serious - and shortsighted - attack on the Russian opposition so far.