HELSINKI GROUP COMPLAINS OF VIOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS.

The Moscow Helsinki group has sent a letter to the Russian government expressing “grave concern” about the observance of religious freedom and other fundamental human rights in Russia (Russian agencies, September 23). As an example, it cites attempts to close the Moscow community of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A court case is to be heard on September 29. The chairwoman of the group, Lyudmila Alekseeva, said efforts have also been made to close a local branch of the Islamic Vatan party.

WILL KARACHAEVO-CHERKESSIA GET A DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT AT LAST?