The Russian presidential human rights council chief, Ella Pamfilova, who has criticized the pitiable state of Russia's legal system and underdevelopment of basic democratic institutions, has resigned.
"I confirm that this [resignation] is true, and I do not want to talk about the reasons," Pamfilova said.
She said she had already recommended a substitute for her position, but refused to provide further details.
Pamfilova was appointed the head of the presidential human rights commission, which was later transformed into a council, in July 2002.
Earlier this year, Pamfilova said that the absence of "qualitative changes" in human rights prohibit the growth of civil society in Russia.
She has said that the independence of the Russian courts is still a "long way away from how it should be," while free elections and political competition are also under question in the country.
Pamfilova also complained that many Russian politicians neglect those who vote for them in favor of political leaders, saying that the country's political parties are "cut off from people."
Lyudmila Alexeyeva, a Russian human rights activist and head of the Moscow Helsinki Group, said she hoped Russian President Dmitry Medvedev would not accept Pamfilova's resignation.
"She has been selflessly, heroically... performing this heavy duty, which is very important for all of us," she told RIA Novosti. "I hope the president will help eradicate the reasons that forced her to resign from the position, which I am sure is the point of her life."
MOSCOW, July 30 (RIA Novosti)
