Front Line is deeply concerned following reports that charges of extremism have been brought against Yury Samodurov, director of the Sakharov Centre in Moscow. The Sakharov Centre is an art museum which is also used for human rights events such as press conferences and seminars, and has extensive literature on human rights in its library.

Further Information

Posted 14/05/2008 On 13 May 2008, Yury Samodurov was charged with inciting religious hatred for organising the “Forbidden Art – 2006” exhibition which took place in March 2007 in the Sakharov Centre. He is now awaiting sentencing but could face up to two-years imprisonment. According to Yury Samodurov, the aim of the exhibition was to promote the monitoring of human rights and the discussion of censorship applied to visual arts in Russia. However, the court ruled that it contained artwork which was considered offensive towards the Russian Orthodox Church. The authorities have not commented on the charges brought against Yury Samodurov.

In the past Yury Samodurov has spoken out to defend freedom of expression. In January 2003 the Sakharov Centre was raided because of the “Caution, Religion!” exhibition. Artwork was deliberately damaged and Yury Samodurov was convicted for inciting racial hatred. Yury Samodurov describes the Sakharov Centre not only as a museum but as a research centre and a human rights organisation.

Front Line believes that Yury Samodurov has been targeted as a result of his legitimate work in the defence of human rights, in particular his work in defence of freedom of artistic expression.