LOC16:25
13:25 GMT
PARIS, March 27 (KUNA) -- France called on Russia Wednesday morning to
explain a number of earlier raids by police on foreign non-governmental
organisations based on Russian territory and growing protests indicate the
apparent harassment could damage relations with Moscow.
On Wednesday, Russian prosecutors and "tax inspectors" were continuing
raids on NGOs, notably the Human Rights Watch offices.
These raids have been going on since Russia has implemented a new NGO
financing law and could affect hundreds of NGOs across the country.
Human rights groups have been targeted but so have education and culture
establishments like the Alliance Francaise language centre.
"This morning we asked the Russian embassy in Paris to supply explanations
on the ongoing enquires affecting a series of organisations, foundations and
establishments, among then several Alliance Francaise" centers, the Foreign
Ministry said here.
The EU, Germany and several other countries have expressed concern about
the Russian raids. (end)
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KUNA 271625 Mar 13NNNN