“I am profoundly concerned by the large-scale raids of non governmental organizations in Russia. This unprecedented and in my opinion arbitrary behaviour is intimidating for all civil society groups in Russia.

Non governmental organizations are being accused across the board of doing illegal work. In particular NGOs with international ties that cooperate successfully with partners abroad are being branded as ”foreign agents“ and put in a bad light.”

Diversity of opinion and a thriving civil society are the heart and soul of a democracy. I therefore call on the Russian authorities to engage in a constructive dialogue with their citizens rather than excluding and intimidating them!“