HRF condemns Russia’s decision to designate @EnMemorial as “extremist” and ban its activities. This move is yet another vicious attempt by Putin’s regime to silence one of Russia’s last remaining voices for human rights.

On April 9, Russia’s Supreme Court issued the ruling against Memorial in a closed hearing, exposing anyone involved with the organization to criminal prosecution. Memorial is one of Russia’s oldest human rights watchdogs and was a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The organization has faced relentless pressure for years while bravely documenting both Soviet-era repression and ongoing human rights abuses.

The regime had already branded Memorial’s entities and staff as “foreign agents,” liquidated its key branches in 2021, and in 2026 banned related organizations abroad as “undesirable.” Now, Memorial joins the growing list of organizations forced out under Russia’s repressive “extremism” and “foreign agents” laws, serving as another reminder that Putin will stop at nothing to destroy voices protecting human rights.