The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation refused today to officially register the People's Freedom Party (PARNAS).  This decision, bringing the total number of parties refused registration to nine, means that PARNAS will be unable to take part in the December elections to the State Duma.

Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) expressed his extreme disappointment at this decision and warned that the anti-democratic grip on Russia is tightening.

"I participated in the Congress of PARNAS last week in Moscow and I am saddened by the failure of the Russian authorities to allow the party to register. The upcoming State Duma elections in December and the presidential elections in March 2012 will now be yet another exercise of stage-managed political campaigning between political forces loyal to the leading duo inside the Kremlin."

"I expect a clear and strong reaction from all EU officials dealing with Russia, including Council President Van Rompuy and the High Representative, Baroness Ashton. The continued failure of Russia to uphold basic democratic principles, a commitment for a member of the Council of Europe, must have implications for its relations with the European Union and the Member States", said Guy Verhofstadt, Leader of the ALDE Group.

Kristiina Ojuland (Estonian Reform, Estonia) ALDE spokesperson on Russia concluded,

"Putin's administration is afraid of open political competition. It also gives a lie to President  Medvedev's claim that he is democratising the country.   It is the people and citizens of Russia that are the ultimate and biggest losers in this decision as they yet again will be denied the possibility to follow and take part in a normal election campaign based on principles Russia has promised to uphold.    As much as we would like to see Russia as a legitimate partner to the EU, we are let down once again."