07/06/2021 (Agence Europe) – The spokesperson for the European External Action Service denounced, on 4 June, the signing earlier in that day, of a new law banning anyone with links to so-called ‘extremist organisations’ from running in elections in Russia. “This law is yet another tool against critical and opposition voices, which will further curtail political pluralism”, the spokesperson said in a statement, also expressing concern this law will have retroactive force. This decision, ahead of the State Duma elections in September and in conjunction with the laws on ‘foreign agents’ and ‘undesirable organisations’, “reinforces a systematic crackdown on democracy, human rights and freedoms”, the spokesperson added. The spokesperson called for the repeal of this law and for the legislation to be brought in line with Russia’s commitments under European and international human rights law. (CG)