NPR

Europe's Top Human Rights Organization Restores Russia's Voting Rights

The Kremlin calls it "a victory of common sense." It is also a big step forward for Moscow to normalize relations with European member states after annexing Crimea in 2014.
The Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, has voted to restore Russia's voting rights. They were suspended after Russia seized Crimea five years ago.

Europe's top human rights organization is reinstating Russia's voting rights, a major step in removing penalties for a country accused of grave human rights violations.

Russia was stripped of its rights in 2014, after it annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. The seizure triggered international condemnation.

This week, the Council of in 1949 to protect the rule of law and democracy on the continent, changed course. Its parliamentary assembly composed of member legislators to restore Russia's voting rights 118-62, with 10 abstentions. The move gives Russia a greater say in human rights issues, from budgets to leadership.

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