Russian Election Watchdog Leader Faces Criminal Investigation

Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Grigory Melkonyants, a leader of independent election monitoring group Golos, on charges of "organizing activities" of an "undesirable" group, punishable by up to six years in prison. The crackdown on Kremlin critics and rights activists has intensified following the conflict in Ukraine, with Golos facing increased pressure. The group, once a member of the European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations, was raided along with the homes of 14 members. Golos has been designated as a "foreign agent" and liquidated as an NGO in the past, but continues to operate, exposing election violations. The government's actions are seen as an attempt to stifle their activities ahead of upcoming regional and presidential elections. The Russian authorities have also targeted independent journalists, activists, and social media platforms, imposing fines and criminal charges.