The Russian Supreme Court recognized the international public movement "Memorial" as an "extremist organization" and banned its activities in the country. The session was held behind closed doors; even the organization's lawyer was not allowed to attend.
Photo: TASS
According to the court's definition, "Memorial's" activities allegedly have an anti-Russian character, are directed against statehood, and are associated with the spread of "destructive ideology." It is also claimed that participants in the movement may commit extremist acts.
Representatives of "Memorial" called this decision illegal and politically motivated. They emphasized that "Memorial" is now not one organization, but a network of various independent associations.
Earlier, in 2021, the authorities had already liquidated the Human Rights Center and the International Memorial Society, accusing them of violating laws and distorting history. In 2026, the International Memorial Association was also declared "undesirable."
The status of an "extremist organization" means a complete ban on activities, blocking of materials and websites, as well as possible criminal liability for participants.
The European Union criticized this decision, calling it a blow to civil society. The Nobel Committee also stated that such a decision contradicts basic values — freedom of speech and human dignity.
"Memorial" was founded in the late 1980s, with the participation of Andrei Sakharov, among others, and was engaged in researching political repressions in the USSR, as well as human rights and educational activities. In 2022, the organization received the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Belarusian human rights activist, then political prisoner Ales Bialiatski, and the Ukrainian human rights organization "Center for Civil Liberties."
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