Motion for a resolution | Doc. 12666 | 23 June 2011
Registration of political parties in Russia
The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation has refused to register the People’s Freedom Party (PARNAS) which had been established in December 2010 bringing together the following political movements: ‘Solidarity’ (Mr Boris Nemtsov), Russian National Democratic Union (Mr Mikhail Kasyanov), Republican Party of Russia (Mr Vladimir Ryzhkov), and ‘Democratic Choice’ party (Mr Vladimir Milov).
While joining the Council of Europe in 1996, the Russian Federation committed itself to the core values and principles of this Organisation. The decision of the Russian authorities not to register PARNAS undermines the principle of political pluralism and freedom of association, i.e. indispensible elements of genuine democracy.
Therefore the Parliamentary Assembly should consider this latest decision limiting the freedom of association and political expression in one of the biggest Council of Europe member states. The Assembly should take urgent measures to examine whether the legislation and practice in Russia on registration of political parties comply with European standards.