Russia Refuses to Register Pirate Party

Russia’s Ministry of Justice refused to register the Pirate Party of Russia on the grounds that piracy is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, article 272. That article defines piracy as an attack on a sea craft or a river boat. Meanwhile, the unregistered Pirate Party has the purpose of promoting free access to information and reforming the copyright and patent laws. Unregistered parties can not participate in elections or otherwise promote themselves. The “pirates” intend to challenge the Ministry decision in court. Pirate Parties are registered in some 40 countries of the world, including many EU countries.

http://www.lenta.ru/news/2011/03/21/pirate/