Moscow court finds activities of Transparency International-Russia political

The Zamoskvoretskiy Court of Moscow has dismissed a complaint against the warning of the Moscow Prosecutor's Office demanding from the non-profit organization (NPO) Transparency International-Russia, which carries out its work among other regions in the Caucasus, to get registered as a "foreign agent". Thus, the warning is regarded as legitimate; however, the NPO plans to appeal against the court decision.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the Law on NPOs, enacted last November, has obliged any organization engaged in political activity and receiving funds from abroad to get registered at the Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent.

The main debate at the today's court session revolved around the statement that the NPO is engaged in political activities. The Transparency International-Russia has stated that they had never interfered in this sphere – its head Elena Panfilova describes the work of her organization as the "anti-corruption expertise," directed at civilian control, the Radio Liberty reports.

According to Elena Panfilova, the decision of the Zamoskvoretskiy Court will be challenged; and until then, the Moscow Office of the NPO will continue working as usual, the Radio "Echo Moskvy" reports.