November 7, 2003

The Open Society Institute condemns the armed takeover last night of its foundation in central Moscow, the Open Society Institute–Russia.

Criminal charges were filed in Moscow today after up to 40 unidentified armed individuals forcibly evicted foundation employees and carted away documents, computers, and other belongings.

The illegal action has disrupted the work of the foundation and affiliate organizations housed in the building. These include the Open Health Institute, which recently was awarded $88 million from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS; JURIX, an organization dedicated to strengthening the rule of law and human rights in Russia; and the Cultural Policy Institute, which supports Russian culture.

George Soros, OSI founder and chairman, since 1987 has spent up to $1 billion in Russia on strengthening the rule of law, human rights, public health, education and culture.