The Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting in Strasbourg ahead of the opening of the Assembly’s winter plenary session, has approved the list of participants of the Platform for Dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces, established in October last year.
The Platform is designed to enable two-way dialogue between Russian democratic forces in exile and leading members of the Parliamentary Assembly on issues of common concern. In the unanimously adopted resolution establishing the Platform, the Assembly stated that it aims to contribute to sustainable democratic change in Russia, help achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, and ensure accountability of Russian actors for international crimes committed.
On his last day in office, outgoing PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, who led the creation of the Platform, stated:
We will not turn our backs on Russians who defend democracy, human rights and freedom — and who reject this war. This Platform will be a place for this other Russia to speak — clearly, openly and without fear.
The Bureau’s decision is subject to ratification by the Assembly during a debate scheduled for later the same day.
Applications to participate in the Platform were open to all Russian citizens. Among the applicants was human rights defender Sergey Ukhov from Perm, who submitted his participation in accordance with the established procedure. Unfortunately, his candidacy did not appear on the final list.
Participants from Russian Democratic Forces:
- Natalia Arno
- Dmitri Gudkov
- Mark Feygin
- Vladimir Kara-Murza
- Garry Kasparov
- Mikhail Khodorkovsky
- Oleg Orlov
- Liubov Sobol
- Nadya Tolokonnikova
- Andrey Volna
Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and National Minorities of Russia:
- Ruslan Kutayev
- Ekaterina Kuznetsova
- Vasilii (Batlay) Matenov
- Lana Pylayeva
- Pavel Sulyandziga
If the decision is ratified by the Assembly, the Platform will hold its first meeting on 29 January.