EEAS on the closure of the Moscow Office of Amnesty International

Statement by the EEAS Spokesperson on the closure of the Moscow Office of Amnesty International:

The Moscow City authorities have sealed off the Moscow Office of Amnesty International (AI) and changed its locks, thereby effectively preventing all Moscow AI staff from entering the office.

We are in contact with Amnesty International, both at their European HQ and in Moscow, who maintain that the reasons provided by the Moscow authorities are wholly inaccurate.

We expect that the competent authorities in Russia will urgently review this case and ensure the unhindered access of AI staff members to their premises. Amnesty International, along with all other human rights organisations, must not be prevented from carrying out their important work.