Russia: UN experts raise alleged targeting of anti-torture NGO by Russian Government

GENEVA (23 June 2023) – UN experts* have expressed their concerns and asked the Russian Government for information on allegations that an anti-torture NGO in the country was targeted in law enforcement raids, not for legitimate reasons but rather to exert pressure on the organisation and intimidate its members.

In April and May this year, the offices of Crew Against Torture in Pyatigorsk, Nizhniy Novgorod and Krasnodar were reportedly searched by law enforcement officials; with documents and electronic equipment seized from some locations.

“Crew Against Torture is carrying out important work in combatting the crime of torture in Russia,” the UN experts said. “We urge authorities to explain on what grounds the Crew Against Torture offices were searched and whether search operations were in compliance with Russia’s international human rights obligations.”

Crew Against Torture is an informal union of Russian lawyers and human rights defenders who assist alleged victims of torture by receiving allegations of torture and other human rights violations and pursue justice and compensation for victims. The organisation continues the work of the “Committee Against Torture”, a prominent human rights non-governmental organisation, established in 2000 and shut down in June 2022 following its designation as a “foreign agent” by Russian authorities.

“The vital work of Crew Against Torture, like other human rights organizations and human rights defenders, is a lifeline for victim-survivors in their efforts to pursue justice and to hold perpetrators to account,” the UN experts added. “They must be allowed to continue their work free from intimidation.”

ENDS

* Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; Ms. Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; Mr. Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association; Ms. Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Ms. Mariana Katzarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation.

Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

UN Human Rights, Country Page – Russian Federation