HFHR statements

Warsaw, 1.04.2009

 

 

President of the Russian Federation

Dmitry Medvedev

103132, Ilinka Str. 23, Moscow, Russia

  

  

  

Open letter

 

We are outraged with the prolonged situation of violence towards social activists in Russia. The assault in Moscow on the human rights activist Lev Ponomarev, leader of the movement „For Human Rights", highlights the inability or lack of political will of the Russian authorities to ensure the appropriate security level for persons dealing with human rights and democratic standards.

 

We renew our appeal to the Russian authorities to conduct rapid, complete and efficient investigation of cases of offences committed towards social activists in Russia, including the beating up of Lev Ponomarev. Without a change of the situation in this respect there can be no talk of protection of human  rights or observance of democratic standards in the Russian Federation.

 

On behalf of the Management Board

of Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights

 

 

Danuta Przywara

President of the Management Board