09 June 2010 The official statement about the intervention of Russian intelligent services in civil activity

After participation of Association of Russian Lawyers for Human Rights at a press conference of international civil movement "ANTIMENT in Kiev 26 May 2010, where Evgeny Arkhipov a chairman of the Association announced the most corrupt positions of Russian law enforcement bodies and intelligent services the Association was faced with a regular lock of the hotlines +7 495 968 30 44 and +7 495 923 34 98: Since 27 May 2010 phones have not being receiving any calls , also the members of the Association were informed about the lock by the citizens who dialed additional phone numbers of the Association.
Receiving of calls was stopped 27 May 2010 despite the fact that one of the most popular Ukrainian Newspaper "Evening News" published several times in electronic and print versions the hot lines provided by the Association for Movement ANTIMENT. Moreover, the phones were mentioned in the Russian media, such as the Russian News Services (RSN) , www.kasparov.ru , www.corrupcia.net etc. but since 27 May 2010 have not been received. In addition, 8 June 2010 an activist of the Association during the conversation with technical specialist of services company "BeeLine "was informed that the number + 7 495 968-30-44 had some obstacles to receive a signal, but the operator could not explain the reasons of it.
Association of Russian Lawyers for Human Rights reminds that in connection with the previous lock of the hotlines in February 2010, the organization circulated an official statement to the leaders of democratic countries. Most leaders officially expressed their concern and support for the activists of the Association, after that the hot lines of the Association were working since the late February until 27 May 2010: the activists were getting 20 - 30 new calls to the hotlines a day.
Association of Lawyers for Human Rights Russia connects the lock of its hot lines with the participation at the press conference of the movement "ANTIMENT in Kiev: thus Russian law enforcement bodies are trying to prevent the dissemination of information about the lawlessness within law enforcement bodies thereby to curb the growing moods of protest among Russian people.
According to Russia Legislation only intelligence service has unlimited and uncontrolled power to block any phone numbers. In this case we may see the coordinated activity of Russian and Ukrainian intelligent services because the hot line in Kiev does not get any calls too.
We consider these actions of the intelligence services as a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms and international law guaranteeing freedom of association with others and the exclusion of any government restriction of activities of civil society.
If the lock of the hotlines continues Association of Lawyers of Russia for Human Rights will review the basic forms and methods of its activity in Russia in favor of civil protest.
Association of Lawyers for Human Rights Russia intends to continue inform the leaders of foreign countries about intelligence service interference in Russian civil organizations, creating artificial restrictions for people who complain about violations of their rights and freedoms by corrupt officials, as well as about use of other mechanisms of pressure or persecution against members of the Association.
Remember, about the violations of human rights and freedoms you may call the following hour hotlines: +7 495 968 30 44 or +7 495 923 34 98.
www.rusadvocat.com