Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday officially classified the internationally recognized human rights organization Memorial as an extremist group during a private court session, according to reports from the state-run news agency TASS.
This classification represents another step in Russia’s extensive campaign to silence opposition voices and restrict civil liberties that has been ongoing for several years. The court’s decision creates a legal framework that allows Russian officials to pursue criminal charges against individuals who provide support to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization or distribute its publications.
Before the court’s decision was made public, Memorial expressed certainty about the anticipated outcome of the proceedings.
“The case against Memorial is yet another attempt to intimidate all dissent in the country and force civil society into silence,” the organization stated in an official release.
