The daily Gazeta reported today that Russia’s justice ministry plans to "liquidate" 56 religious organisations for failing to inform authorities of their activities.

"There is no community of the Russian Orthodox Church on the list," the Russian newspaper noted in reference to the dominant religion in the country.

Published on the justice ministry’s website, the list includes 56 organisations against which the ministry "plans to lodge requests for liquidation."

The website does not give reasons for the decision but, according to the Gazeta, authorities accuse them of failing to submit annual reports, as required by controversial legislation on non-governmental organisations.

Among the NGOs targeted by the ministry was a branch of the Catholic organisation Caritas International in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk,
and several evangelical and Muslim groups.
  
Sapa-AFP 

MRN
Author: MRN NetworkThe aspiration of the Media Review Network is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to foster bridges of understanding among the diverse people of our country. The Media Review Network believes that Muslim perspectives on issues impacting on South Africans are a prerequisite to a better appreciation of Islam.