The Nobel Committee denounces Moscow's attempt to criminalize the NGO Memorial, co-recipient of the peace prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Wednesday strongly condemned Russia's efforts to label the human rights organization Memorial an "extremist organization." Such a designation would criminalize all of its activities.

In a statement, the institution responsible for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize indicated that it had learned the Russian Ministry of Justice had petitioned the Supreme Court to request the nomination. "If the petition is accepted, all of Memorial's activities will be criminalized," it warned.

Founded at the end of the Soviet era, Memorial is one of the most emblematic organizations of Russian civil society, known for its work documenting past and present political repression. It was honored in 2022 by jointly receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

This award was shared with Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski and the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties, in a context marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The committee's choice was widely interpreted as a direct criticism of Moscow's policies.

At this stage, the Russian embassy in Oslo has not responded to requests for comment. The outcome of the proceedings before the Supreme Court could have major consequences for independent organizations still operating in Russia.

This latest legal escalation illustrates the persistent tensions between Russian authorities and civil society actors, in an increasingly restrictive climate for human rights organizations.