Russia’s human rights groups say inspections by prosecutors amounted to intimidation campaign
By APTuesday, September 21, 2010
Russia’s rights groups protest prosecutors’ action
MOSCOW — Some of Russia’s leading rights groups are protesting unscheduled inspections by prosecutors, saying they’re meant as intimidation.
Moscow Memorial, Transparency International-Russia, Moscow Helsinki Group and more than a dozen others said in a statement late Monday that the unscheduled checks violate the law.
The rights groups said prosecutors visited 40 non-governmental organizations last week searching for registration and financial documents. The Prosecutor General’s office has said nothing about the reasons for the raid and has made no accusations.
Russia’s non-governmental organizations have faced tough registration and reporting requirements under a 2006 law championed by former President Vladimir Putin, who continues to wield power as prime minister.
Tags: Eastern Europe, Europe, Moscow, Non-governmental Organizations, Russia, Vladimir Putin