The Justice Ministry has refused to register Go Russia, a public movement created by senior State Duma Deputy Gennady Gudkov with the stated goal of supporting President Dmitry Medvedev's modernization effort, RIA-Novosti reported Monday.
After the movement was established in September by Gudkov, a member of the Just Russia party, the ruling United Russia party almost immediately established a movement with the same name and stated goals. The move sparked a scandal between the two pro-Kremlin parties.
The Justice Ministry has registered United Russia's movement as a regional public organization, with the State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov being its formal head.
Both movements were named after 2009 Medvedev's article arguing for the modernization of Russia's economy.
The ministry refused to register the Just Russia's Go Russia on Dec. 6, citing irregularities in the submitted documents.
Gudkov said Monday that the documents had been checked by experienced legal specialists and the registration denial was groundless, RIA-Novosti reported.
He said he would appeal the ministry's decision in court.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
