Russian Supreme Court Bans Radical Party

National Bolshevik Party leader Eduard Limonov (file photo) (AFP) 15 November 2005 -- Russia's Supreme Court today reconfirmed a ban on the radical National Bolshevik Party.

In June, a Moscow court ordered the National Bolsheviks to disband, arguing that the party had violated registration procedures and was involved in extremist activities.


Two months later, the Supreme Court lifted the ban but then shortly afterward nullified its own ruling and ordered a retrial.


The National Bolsheviks appealed the ban, claiming it was a politically motivated Kremlin attempt to silence dissent.


The National Bolshevik Party, led by controversial writer Eduard Limonov, is believed to have several thousand followers.


It has been known for its flamboyant opposition protests. A number of its activists are currently facing trial on criminal charges, including 39 activists who seized a government building in Moscow last December.


(ITAR-TASS/Interfax)