Statement. Russia has declared REM an ‘undesirable organization’

On 1 February 2024, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office declared the Russian Election Monitor a so-called ‘undesirable organisation’.

The Russian Election Monitor (REM) provides a forum to discuss and analyze experts’ assessments of electoral processes in Russia. The initiators of REM, scholars, politicians, and public officials, are united by the strong belief that Russian voters have the same right to democratic and free elections as every European citizen.

Labeling REM as ‘undesirable’ is another effort to silence experts and members of civil society who stand for the rule of law and human rights in Russia. As a consequence of this unjustified and illegitimate criminalization, REM is compelled to suspend working with any Russian experts residing in the Russian Federation or abroad in order to avoid jeopardizing their safety.

REM condemns the decision made by the Russian Prosecutor General and voices concern over the continued decline of civic space and democratic principles in the Russian Federation.

The law on undesirable organizations was introduced in 2015 as a tool to crack down on civil society activity within Russia and to isolate Russian initiatives from any international cooperation and exchange. More than 130 international organizations including reputable research institutes, independent media, international foundations, election monitors, and human rights organizations have been declared undesirable since the introduction of this law.