Interfax: Golos denies reported emigration of its head Liliya Shibanova

September 8, 2013 JRL Russia List Media, Internet, Social Media, Television, Nonprofits, Activists, NGO's, Politics, Government, Protests, Elections

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(Interfax – MOSCOW, September 5, 2013) One of the leaders of the Golos movement Grigory Melkonyants has refuted rumors that the movement is wrapping up its activities in Russia and that another leader of the NGO Liliya Shibanova emigrated.

“This is a special hoax ahead of the elections in order to discredit the activity of Golos,” Melkonyants told Interfax on Thursday.

Golos has been monitoring elections for 13 years, he recalled. “It happened that not only Russia but also Norway will hold elections on September 8. A part of our team will monitor elections here, others left for abroad. Liliya Shibanova heads this group,” Melkonyants said.

Shibanova will return to Russia after her mission in Norway is completed, he said.

“Naturally, the issue is not about wrapping up the activity of Golos on Russian territory. We plan to hold a number of events this fall,” he said.

The Nezavisimaya Gazeta daily reported earlier that Golos will monitor elections in foreign countries. According to the article, Shibanova left Russia and has been in Lithuania for a month. She does not plan to return, the daily reported.

Russia will hold a number of local and regional elections on September 8, the so-called single voting day.

Norway will elect new parliament on September 9.