Russia’s ultra-right group banned and declared extremist

Moscow City Court has acknowledged the highly controversial ultra-right wing group “Slavic Union” as extremist and banned its activities in Russia. Due to safety reasons the trial was held behind closed doors.

The Union’s leader Dmitry Demushkin said he is going to appeal the decision.

The case was brought to court by Moscow’s prosecutor Yury Semin, whose office insisted the group’s activities were of extremist nature and were inciting hatred in society.

The Slavic Union was created around 10 years ago as a far-right group with a national socialist ideology close to that of Nazi Germany. The group, together with other nationalistic movements, held so-called “Russian Marches” aimed at promoting Russian nationalism.

Currently there an estimated 10,000 people in Russia who comprise some 200 extremist organizations. Apart from the Union, the most active groups are the Army of the People’s Will, the National Socialist Society, and the Northern Brotherhood. The majority of their members are students aging from 16 to 25 years.