18:54, 2 June 2017

Head of "Don Women" accused of non-fulfilment of foreign agent's duties

Valentina Cherevatenko, a Novocherkassk rights defender, has been accused of malicious default of the law on foreign agents.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 24, 2016, investigators confiscated documents from the office of the "Don Women" Union. Three days later, Cherevatenko's advocate received a resolution on opening a criminal case against her for malicious evasion of her duties.

According to Ms Cherevatenko, the Coordinating Board of the "Don Women", which she heads, takes decisions collectively; however, she was charged personally, the "Mediazona" reports.

This is the first case in Russia of bringing charges under Article 330.1 of the Criminal Code, notes the website of the Rapid Response Centre to Protect Rights Defenders.

Let us remind you that prosecution of Cherevatenko was condemned by the European Union; and the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" called it politically motivated.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.