Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a law forcing non-government organizations (NGO) engaged in political activity with foreign financing to be classed as "foreign agents."

The passage of the new law comes amidst criticism from Russian human rights organizations which say the series of Kremlin-backed laws are attempts to suppress opposition.

Under the new legislation, NGOs would have to publish a biannual report on their activities and carry out an annual financial audit. Failure to comply with the law could result in four-year jail sentences and/or fines of up to 300,000 rubles ($9,200).