The Russian authorities have refused to recognise a Dutch-based human rights group which provides legal aid to Chechens as an official NGO, reports news agency Reuters. The Russian Justice Initiative (RJI) supports Chechens who accuse Russian soldiers of crimes.

The Dutch, Norwegian and French governments have all funded the RJI whose board members work for groups such as Human Rights Watch. The group is the first to be denied official status under new Russian laws to fight terrorism. Russia cited poorly submitted documents for its decision.