Support The Moscow Times!

Commission Responsible for Protecting Moscow’s Historic Appearance Closed

The commission that outlines rules for construction in Moscow's historical zones has been forced to cease activity by the city's prosecutor's office, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Wednesday.

The commission responsible for the cultural preservation of Moscow, popularly known as the 'demolition commission' due to its authority on building demolition, was officially closed at the request of the prosecutor's office, Deputy Mayor Marat Khusnullin said Wednesday.

Although the commission has now been dissolved, it had not officially functioned for a year.

The commission responsible for the cultural preservation of Moscow was tasked with the preservation of the city's historic structures, though it was criticized by activist groups for failing to protect buildings of cultural importance throughout its tenure.

“We are now working within the framework of the Town Planning Code,” Khusnullin said, recalling that the commission's purpose was protecting Moscow's historic appearance.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

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 you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more