RUSSIALINK: “Supreme Court decision on movement For Human Rights shows authorities are not ready for criticism, compromise – HRW” – Interfax

File Photos of Law Books and Gavel, adapted from image at fjc.gov

MOSCOW. Nov 1 (Interfax) – The Russian Supreme Court’s decision on the liquidation of the movement For Human Rights led by Lev Ponomaryov indicates the flaws of the Russian judicial system and the position of the Russian authorities, which are not ready to take criticism and achieve compromises, Tanya Lokshina, associate director for Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia division, said.

“This decision clearly demonstrates that, unfortunately, the Russian judicial system is de facto serving the interests of the authorities. And cases involving the suppression of those who criticize the authorities become only an instrument in the hands of the state,” Lokshina told Interfax on Friday.

The decision on the liquidation of the movement will have negative consequences for the authorities’ image, she said.

“The purpose of this repressive action is probably to show those criticizing the authorities, human rights and other independent organizations in the country that the authorities are not ready to listen to them, are not ready to take criticism and are not ready for a compromise. And many years of work, reputation and huge international prominence will not protect human rights organizations from state repression,” Lokshina said.

The Russian Supreme Court granted the Justice Ministry’s claim, liquidating the movement For Human Rights founded by Ponomaryov. The decision has not taken legal force yet. Ponomaryov told Interfax the movement will continue working. The NGO intends to appeal ad go to the European Court of Human Rights

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