In a further blow to critical voices, the Russian judiciary has ordered the dissolution of the Sowa Center. A court in Moscow decided yesterday that a corresponding instruction from the Ministry of Justice should be implemented. The center specializes in issues such as racism and xenophobia.
The reason given was that the non-governmental organization had participated in events outside of Moscow, which was considered a violation of the regulations.
The Sowa Center said it would appeal the order. Established in 2002, the center is known for its publications on sensitive issues such as nationalism, racism and xenophobia, and how “extremism” laws are being applied in Russia.
