While in the first paragraph you're absolutely correct, you and parent seem to misunderstand what the main implications of the Russian foreign agent law are.

The law doesn't actively suppress NGOs, it creates a stigma that curbs domestic donations and the mere acceptance of their work. The abatement comes from the stigma affecting justice system and the broad definitions in the law allowing them to act increasingly ambiguously. Well, reportedly the number of NGO decreases by a third in the period of 2012-2015.

People do not inform themselves and believe that a mere label and low fine of $4000 can't be the reason for the uproar. Rather, they must have been jailed, fined, beaten, forced out, otherwise there would be nothing really inhibiting one's life and work.
You can read some short stories in the amnesty report

Whether you think this is justified in the the US, it's not just government sanctions you need to worry about in Russia.

Broadly speaking, you could say any issue there is in Russia you would also find in the US. The difference is, these remain within the chaotic back and forth of a democratic society. The citizens still hold on to and prize the right to debate and decide on what path to continue.