Interfax: Golos association to contest inclusion on registry of NGOs-foreign agents in court

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MOSCOW. June 9 (Interfax) – The Golos (Voice) association said it intended to contest in court the fact that the Russian Justice Ministry included it on the registry of non-governmental organizations (NGO) – foreign agents.

“This will not affect our work in any way. The association is in the process of liquidating itself. As to the regional organization, it has not worked at all for a long time. It is a different matter that we do not agree with such decisions and lawyers are preparing an appeal in order to create certain precedents. If someone disagrees with decisions of authorities, it is necessary to contest this formally. Otherwise, it turns out that you agree with these decisions,” Golos Deputy Head Grigory Melkonyants told Interfax on Monday.

“I am surprised by the actions of the Justice Ministry because the recent resolution of the Constitutional Court regarding the law on foreign agents essentially rehabilitated the association, having shown that if an organization does not receive foreign funds or, having received them, sent them back, the signs of a foreign agent do not emerge. While being aware of this legal stance of the Constitutional Court, the Justice Ministry ignores it,” Melkonyants said.

The Justice Ministry listed five NGOs on the registry of foreign agents after the law allowing this procedure to be carried out forcefully came into effect. In particular, the updated list of foreign agents at the ministry’s website includes the Golos association and Center for Social Policy and Gender Studies.

The regional NGO defending democratic rights and freedoms GOLOS, Kostroma center for supporting public initiatives and Don Women Union regional non-governmental human rights organization are in the list as well.

 

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