By RFE/RL's Idel.Realities

An appeals court in Russia's Mari El region on December 19 upheld a ruling to shut down A Human and Law rights group, members said, announcing the closing of the group following the failure of their appeal. The Supreme Court of Mari El ordered the group's liquidation in August, citing the NGO's "involvement in political activities." A Human and Law has been operating in Russia's Volga region since 1999. It provides legal assistance to victims of police brutality and other illegal actions by law enforcement officers.