Top court: National Bolsheviks are extremists
Russia`s Supreme Court has upheld an earlier court ruling banning the National Bolshevik Party (NBP) as an extremist organization, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported from the courtroom.
The court rejected an appeal lodged against the Moscow City Court ruling by party leader and radical writer Eduard Limonov.
"The Moscow City Court`s decision comes into force today," the Supreme Court`s presiding judge said.
In April, National Bolshevik activists took part in an unsanctioned "Dissenters` March", demanding President Vladimir Putin`s resignation and free elections. Police detained 250 protesters in Moscow and 170 in St. Petersburg.
The party has gained scandalous publicity for breaking into government offices and staging extravagant acts of protest, sometimes damaging state property. Russian authorities have also accused party members of using firearms on several occasions, arresting and charging activists.
Limonov himself spent over two years in prison for purchasing and possessing firearms, and the Federal Security Service suspected him of attempts to form an illegal armed unit. Limonov, who was released in 2002, denied the charges, calling them political.
The dissident said Tuesday the Supreme Court`s decision was predictable: "I did not expect anything else. But it`s not a disaster, just another lost legal battle."
The National Bolshevik leader said he would appeal the ruling with the European Court of Human Rights, which is already examining two appeals from the party. "I believe Strasbourg will back us. I am sure the European Court will rule in our favor."
He also said the party would continue its activities within the Other Russia, a loose union of liberals, nationalists and communists opposed to the president.
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