Semyon Simonov deprived of fan's passport sues "Sochi- 2014" OC

Semyon Simonov, the coordinator of the network "Migration and Law" of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", has filed a lawsuit to the Adler District Court against the "Sochi-2014" Organizing Committee (OC) demanding to repeal the provision in the rules on issuance of the Olympic fan's passports that admits refusal without explanations.

According to his data, the OC refused to grant fan's passports to several oppositional activists.

Mr Simonov treats the actions of the OC as persecution for his legal assistance to migrant workers, who were involved in building Sochi facilities.

The spokesman of the "Sochi-2014" has confirmed in his interview with the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that the OC reserves the right to refuse to issue a fan's passport without giving reasons, despite the presence of tickets to sporting events with the applicant.

"Jointly with the HRC 'Angora', we found no authority with the OC to restrict citizens' access to the Olympic Games. It is responsible for preparing and holding the Olympic Games in Sochi, but not for obstructing citizens' access to the Olympics. To do so, they need to have reasons. When they fail to give them – it's a double violation," the lawyer Alexander Popkov gave his comment.