Russia brands Nobel-winning rights group Memorial an extremist movement

Russia's Supreme Court designated human rights group Memorial as an "extremist" movement on Thursday, a move the group said ‌marked a new phase of oppression in the country.

LONDON — Russia's Supreme Court designated human rights group Memorial as an "extremist" movement on Thursday, a move the group said ‌marked a new phase of oppression in the country.

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The ruling - the latest in a sweeping, years-long crackdown on free speech in Russia - provides a new legal mechanism for authorities to prosecute anyone who contributes to the work of the Nobel Prize-winning organisation, donates to it or shares material that it publishes.

After the closed-door hearing, the Supreme Court said Memorial's ​activities within Russia were banned with immediate effect.