HUMAN RIGHTS

Russia continues case against Memorial NGO as fears of shutdown grow

A participant in the rally against the threatened dissolution of the Russian human rights organization Memorial holds up a sign with the inscription "We are Memorial" in front of the Russian embassy in Berlin. Photo: Monika Skolimowska/dpa.

The Nomad Today/dpa

14 de December de 2021 (12:21 h.)

Current law requires groups that receive financial assistance from overseas to refer to themselves as foreign "agents."

The case against Memorial, a Russian human rights group, continued on Tuesday in Moscow despite local protests and widespread international condemnation.

A large crowd again gathered in front of the Supreme Court building in Moscow where the proceedings are being held. One demonstrator was arrested for holding up a poster, according to the civil rights portal Owd-Info.

Russian prosecutors have taken steps to seek the dissolution of the 30-year-old group, which is frequently critical of Kremlin policies. The group stands accused of violating laws limiting contacts with foreign agents.

Current law requires groups that receive financial assistance from overseas to refer to themselves as foreign "agents." Memorial has refused to do so to date and complained of political persecution.

Founded in the late 1980s, the group seeks to secure the rights of political prisoners, as well as reconsider the country's history from the Stalin era and look again at Nazi atrocities in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been critical of the group, despite the running legal case against it. He has said it has provided support to terrorists and extremists.