Russian Christian-Democratic Party cannot be registered

The Russian Christian-Democratic Party can be registered by the Justice Ministry if only it alters its name, said Yevgeny Melnik, deputy head of the ministry's public relations centre.

According to him, the reason is that under the law "On Political Parties" the name of an organisation may not mention its religious or national affiliation.

In July, the Justice Minister is known to have refused to register the party, citing the "On Political Parties" law.