Russian Election Watchdog Chief Faces Charges for Running 'Undesirable' Group

Russian authorities have charged Grigory Melkonyants, the co-chair of independent election monitor Golos, for running an "undesirable" organization. Law enforcement conducted searches at the homes of Melkonyants and 14 of his colleagues in multiple Russian regions. Golos has not been officially recognized as an "undesirable" organization, but it has been labeled a "foreign agent" by Russia's Justice Ministry. The charges come ahead of upcoming elections in Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories, which Golos has predicted to be one of the least competitive in years.