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Statement on the criminal charges brought against Russian human rights defender Valentina Cherevatenko
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The criminal charges brought against activist Valentina Cherevatenko, a leader in the NGO "Union of Women of Don", represent the first criminal case opened under the "foreign agents" law in Russia.
The practice of declaring NGOs as "foreign agents" restricts civil society and impedes the exercise of fundamental freedoms.
Ms Cherevatenko's outstanding work on human rights education, peace building, and humanitarian issues is well-known and widely appreciated.