In defense of memory: Dozens of Russian and international organizations have rallied to support Memorial against lawsuits that would close it forever. Meduza shares excerpts from a few of these declarations.

Lawsuits by the Russian Attorney General's Office now threaten the continued existence of Memorial --both the international historical society and the human rights center. The former is accused of violating Russia's laws on "foreign agents" (for failing to disclose this status to readers), and the latter faces additional charges of "justifying terrorism and extremism" (because the group has declared supposed Islamic radicals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and left-wing nationalists to be political prisoners). The authorities' case is an attempt to smash the most crucial human rights organization left in Russia --a group of activists and scholars who have spent decades working to preserve the memory of the Soviet Union's most brutal political repressions. Meduza presents excerpts of statements from several prominent groups and individuals in support of Memorial. Original Article: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/11/17/in-defense-of-memory