Arguments are being heard in a Russian court that will determine the fate of Internal Memorial in the country. The human rights organization, one of the oldest, was formed to research and inform the public of political crimes and repressions during the Soviet period.
Soviet legislation, known as the “agents” law, stipulates the prohibition of any group deemed to be “unfriendly”. Anyone who is declared a “foreign agent” cannot hold office even if successfully elected. In essence any organization, accused of the slightest connection to the West can be a target. The Russian approach to these “unfriendly” groups is to demand the disclosure of sources of funds and to label themselves as foreign agents with all their publications and online postings.
(Pikemalt saab lugeda Eesti Elu 3. detsembri 2021 paber- ja PDF/digilehest)
