The association Freies Russland NRW (Free Russia NRW)* was founded in 2021 as an initiative of Russian-speaking citizens aimed at fighting against political repression and for the democratic future of Russia. Since its creation, the association has organized more than fifty actions and rallies in Düsseldorf and Cologne, as well as in other cities of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin.
With the outbreak of a full-scale war in Ukraine, the association continues to raise issues of lawlessness, police violence and human rights violations both in Russia and in the occupied territories of Ukraine. In addition to rallies and actions, Free Russia NRW is engaged in educational and cultural activities, regularly holding meetings and discussions, including with representatives of the Russian opposition, public figures, human rights activists, journalists and cultural figures. The association conducts information campaigns aimed at countering Russian state disinformation and propaganda, organizes exhibitions and political art performances dedicated to current topics. The association also supports various human rights and humanitarian projects in Russia and in exile, in particular helping political prisoners and their families.
The association maintains close ties with federal and regional politicians, government agencies, political parties and civil society organizations, as well as local and national media in Germany.
*In December 2023, the association was recognized by the Russian Ministry of Justice as an undesirable organization on the territory of the Russian Federation.