15:23, 18 March 2004

Kabardino-Balkarian branch of Movement for Human Rights gains court victory over regional department of justice

On March 17, the Nalchik City Court satisfied the claim by the regional brunch chairman of the All-Russian Movement for Human Rights, Valery Khatazhukov, against the department of the Russian Ministry of Justice in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria concerning the registration of the branch.

The regional department of justice has been refusing to register the regional branch of the Movement for Human Rights under various pretexts for over a year, Valery Khatazhukov explained.

"The refusal to register our organization is a gross violation of civil rights secured by the Constitutions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria," Valery Khatazhukov said. "Besides, we want to state that according to the Law on Public Associations, our organization has been created and is functioning. We need registration only to become a juridical person.

The attitude of the department of justice to this case defines the authorities' stance aimed at weakening and closing civil society institutions in the republic, Valery Khatazhukov added.

Author: Luiza Orazayeva, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot