Comment on Russia's Designation of Memorial as Extremist Organisation
Summary
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a statement on April 10, 2026, condemning Russia's designation of Memorial, one of Russia's oldest human rights organisations, as an 'extremist' organisation. The statement also referenced raids on independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta and detention of journalist Oleg Roldugin as part of a broader clampdown on civic space. Türk called on Russian authorities to annul the designation and comply with international human rights obligations.
What changed
The UN Human Rights Chief issued a public comment criticising Russia's designation of Memorial as an 'extremist' organisation and associated actions against independent media. The statement characterises these actions as part of a broader pattern of applying extremism laws to suppress civil society and critical voices.
For international compliance professionals monitoring human rights developments, this statement highlights ongoing concerns about civic space restrictions in Russia. While the comment carries no legal force, it signals continued international scrutiny of Russian government actions against civil society organisations and independent media, which may have implications for entities operating in or related to the Russian market.
What to do next
- Monitor for developments regarding civil society restrictions in Russia
- Review international human rights obligations regarding freedom of expression and association
Archived snapshot
Apr 11, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Comment by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Russian designation of Memorial as “extremist”
10 April 2026
Location
Geneva
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I am appalled by the Russian authorities’ designation of Memorial, one of the oldest and most prominent human rights organisations in the country, as an “extremist” organisation – effectively criminalising critical human rights work.
This decision is part of a broader, unsettling pattern in which the Russian authorities are applying laws intended to combat extremism to prosecute individuals or organisations under the guise that they are associated with vaguely defined extremist “movements” or groups.
Yesterday’s raid on Russian independent media outlet Novaya Gazeta and the detention of journalist Oleg Roldugin, are also indicative of this continuing clampdown on civic space, freedom of expression and association, and repression targeting any individuals or groups perceived to be opposed to the Government.
I call on the Russian authorities to ensure compliance with their obligations under international human rights law. I urge them to immediately annul the latest decision on Memorial and ensure that no individual is subjected to criminal or administrative liability for the exercise of their fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful association.
For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva
Jeremy Laurence: +41 22 917 9383 / [email protected]
Thameen Al-Kheetan: +41 22 917 4232 / [email protected]
In Nairobi
Seif Magango : +254 78834 3897 / [email protected]
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