Open Russia Foundation Closes
March 21, 2006 | Read Time: 1 minute
The bank accounts of the Open Russia Foundation, led by Russian businessman Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky, were frozen by Russian authorities last Friday, reports The New York Times. The $11-million group then announced that it would halt its work promoting civil liberties.
The move follows a crackdown on all Russian charities with foreign financing. Although the Open Russia Foundation is a domestic charity, the law also includes restrictions on groups founded by citizens convicted of crimes. Mr. Khodorkovsky was convicted of fraud last year, although he says he is innocent.
Also: Read The Chronicle’s interview with Irina Yasina, Open Russia’s program director. (A paid subscription is required to view this article.)
