Russia’s Supreme Court designates Memorial movement extremist and bans its activities

What did the court decide?

The Supreme Court granted a request to recognize the International Public Movement Memorial as an extremist organization and prohibited its activities in Russia; the decision took effect immediately Anadolu Ajansı,TASS,Профиль.

How was the case handled procedurally?

Multiple reports said the hearing took place in a closed session, without public or press attendance Meduza,Anadolu Ajansı,TASS,Caucasian Knot.

How did Memorial respond?

Memorial said the ruling was unlawful and described it as a new stage of political pressure on Russian civil society; one statement also said the organization named in the ruling does not exist as a single entity Meduza,Adnkronos.