Golos, an independent election monitoring group in Russia, has ceased operations after 25 years due to mounting pressure from authorities. The decision follows the sentencing of co-chair Grigory Melkonyants to five years in prison for cooperating with a blacklisted foreign NGO. Golos argues the charges against Melkonyants are politically motivated, meant to suppress electoral observation efforts. The organization has been pivotal since its inception in 2000, initially observing electoral irregularities and documenting the rise of state support for the ruling party over the years.
Golos has announced that it is ceasing operations amid pressure from Russian authorities and increasing danger for its members. The group describes itself as a social movement for voters' rights.
Golos’s disbanding follows the sentencing of its co-chair, Grigory Melkonyants, to five years in prison for allegedly cooperating with a foreign NGO deemed 'undesirable'.
The organization insists it has no ties to ENEMO and claims the prosecution of Melkonyants is politically motivated, aimed at silencing electoral observation in Russia.
Founded in 2000, Golos was one of the first independent initiatives in post-Soviet Russia focused on election monitoring, observing state support for the ruling party and restrictions on monitors.
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