[aaus-list] [Fwd: Press Releases: Russia: Raid on Memorial’s Research Center]

[Max Pyziur]

fyi,

MP
pyz at brama.com


---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: Press Releases: Russia: Raid on Memorial’s Research Center
From:    "U.S. Department of State"
<usstatebpa at usfcg.service.govdelivery.com>
Date:    Tue, December 9, 2008 9:36 am
To:      pyz at brama.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Press Releases: Russia: Raid on Memorial?s Research Center [
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/dec/112983.htm ]"Mon, 08 Dec 2008
22:00:00 -0600"

Press Statement
*Sean McCormack, Spokesman*
Washington, DC
December 9, 2008

Russia: Raid on Memorial?s Research Center

We are deeply concerned about a raid by Russian law enforcement officers
on the research center operated by Memorial in St. Petersburg last week.
Memorial is a respected non-governmental organization dedicated to
remembering the victims of totalitarian repression, and the historical
documents and information in its archives are invaluable sources for
historians and social scientists worldwide. It is vital to permit their
important work to continue without hindrance. We urge Russian authorities
to ensure the speedy and safe return of all seized equipment and archival
material. Civil society organizations such as the Memorial research center
play a critical role in the development of democratic societies and the
promotion of human rights.

Unfortunately, this action against Memorial is not an isolated instance of
pressure against freedom of association and expression in Russia. In the
past few weeks alone, there have been reports of harassment against media
and other civil society organizations. It is imperative that these
organizations and individuals be allowed to function and flourish, free of
political pressure, intimidation, harassment, or restrictions.

*2008/1023*

Released on December 9, 2008



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