Statement by the Spokesperson on the “foreign agent” status of the Memorial International Society

On the 16 December 2016, a Moscow court confirmed the decision by the Russian Ministry of Justice to include the Memorial International Society on the list of "foreign agents".

The European Union repeatedly stated that the law on "foreign agents" and the ensuing fines, inspections and stigmatisation, further tighten the restrictions on the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Russia, consume the scarce resources of NGOs and inhibit independent civil society in the country. The European Union would continue to call on the Russian authorities to align their policies and legislation with the human rights obligations and commitments that they have undertaken.

Despite existing difficulties, the European Union is committed to continuing its support for Russian NGOs and civil society.