In line with a recent appeal by President Vladimir Putin, General Prosecutor Yury Chaika has created a special division for upholding the rights of entrepreneurs, a statement by the General Prosecutor's Office said.
The body will aim to ease administrative pressure on businesses, increase the responsibility of governmental structures in carrying out supervisory functions, ensure that market principles are being followed, and defend the rights of all entrepreneurs, prosecutor's office spokeswoman Marina Gridneva said Friday, RIA-Novosti reported.
On Thursday, Putin spoke in favor of creating both an entrepreneurs' rights ombudsman and a body in the General Prosecutor's Office.
In April, then-President Dmitry Medvedev had ordered the government to create either an ombudsman position or a special prosecutor for business rights. Medvedev said a special federal prosecutor could protect businesses from unfair official barriers in doing business.
Business associations in Russia have long accused police and prosecutors of hounding companies and entrepreneurs for bribes.
The new division will be headed by First Deputy Prosecutor General Alexander Buksman and will include among its ranks "the most experienced" prosecutor's office employees, a General Prosecutor's Office statement said.
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.
