Mr. Alexander Muzykantsky, ex-prefect of the Central district of the Russian capital and ex-Minister for information at the Moscow City's Government, has been recently appointed by the Moscow City Duma as city's human rights commissioner (ombudsman).

Mr. Muzykantsky in "Echo of Moscow" radio live program said that he was ready to discuss any issue on human rights, including the problems emerging around organization in Moscow of public actions of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders. Newly appointed Moscow's ombudsman was unanimously approved by Mosgorduma on September 23rd, 2009 mostly because of his well-known democratic principles and views. His candidature was also warmly welcomed by the Moscow's Helsinki Group.

The post of Moscow's ombudsman was introduced by the new municipal law on Moscow's City Ombudsman (in effect since August 1st, 2009).  

Translated by Yerdna Bananes