On Monday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned “intimidation in Russia, the victims of which are opponents of the war in Ukraine, as well as various “forms of censorship” operating in the country, reports Rador with reference to La Libre.

In Russia, “intimidation” and restrictive measures against people who express their opposition to the war in Ukraine endanger the realization of fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, especially the right to freedom of assembly, expression of opinion and association,” said the Acting President. Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif in his opening remarks at the 51st session of the Human Rights Council.

“Pressure on journalists, blocking of resources available on the Internet, and other forms of censorship are incompatible with media pluralism and violate the right to access to information,” she added.

On the other hand, it asked Moscow to “review” measures taken to extend the label of “foreign agents” to persons considered “under foreign influence” and to criminalize unannounced contacts with representatives of states, foreign or international organizations that are considered to be directed against ” security” of the Russian Federation”.

The war in Ukraine will be discussed several times at the meeting of the Council, which meets within a month.

The UN’s highest human rights body has already launched a high-level investigation into violations committed by Russian troops in Ukraine in May. On September 23, the Rada should hear the investigators. But there is growing pressure for the body to take an interest in human rights abuses in Russia and create a special rapporteur position.

However, there is no certainty that Western countries will come forward with a draft resolution on the subject, as they fear they will not be able to form a majority, as the texts must be approved by a majority of the 47 member states of the Council. .