Press statements of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
OSCE Media Freedom Representative deeply concerned about new laws in Russia which would further strengthen state control of Internet
Publishing date: 14 February 2019
VIENNA, 14 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his serious concern regarding the amendments to the Russian federal laws on Communication and on Information, Information Technologies and Protection of Information, which were adopted by the State Duma, in the first reading on 12 February...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for dropping of criminal charges against Radio Ekho Moskvy journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia
Publishing date: 11 February 2019
VIENNA, 11 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called for criminal charges of supporting terrorism against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva to be dropped, and raised concern about decisions by a Russian court to fine two media outlets in relation to this case. Prokopyeva is a journalist with Radio Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) and a contributor to various other media, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Russian Service...
Termination of Russian newspaper’s activities negatively impacts access to information and media pluralism, asserts OSCE Media Freedom Representative
Publishing date: 4 February 2019
VIENNA, 4 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his concern regarding a court verdict to terminate the activity of the newspaper Novye Kolesa Igorya Rudnikova in Kaliningrad...
Law further restricting speech in Russia might negatively affect freedoms of media and of information on Internet, says OSCE Representative
Publishing date: 14 December 2018
VIENNA, 14 December 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today conveyed his concern about a new draft law in Russia which can impose excessive restrictions on media and citizens using their right to free expression online...
One year after arrest of Russian journalist Igor Rudnikov, OSCE Representative reiterates call for his release
Publishing date: 6 November 2018
VIENNA, 6 November 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed concern regarding the lengthy detention of journalist Igor Rudnikov in Kaliningrad in the Russian Federation and reiterated his call on the country’s authorities to release him...
High fine threatening closure of online Russian news outlet is detrimental to freedom of media, says OSCE media freedom representative
Publishing date: 27 October 2018
VIENNA, 27 October 2018- Today, following a court decision to impose an extremely high fine on The New Times online news outlet, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, called on authorities of the Russian Federation to protect freedom of the media and preserve pluralism of opinion in the country as an essential element of an open and democratic society.
OSCE Representative deplores death threats against Novaya Gazeta journalists, urges Russian authorities to ensure journalists’ safety
Publishing date: 19 October 2018
VIENNA, 19 October 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today deplored the intimidation and death threats directed at journalists with the well-known Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. He urged the authorities to swiftly and fully investigate these incidents and ensure journalists’ safety.
Safety of journalists must be priority for all in OSCE region, says media freedom representative on anniversary of Anna Politkovskaya’s killing
Publishing date: 7 October 2018
VIENNA, 7 October 2018 – On the 12th anniversary of the killing of Novaya Gazeta journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, recalled the need to guarantee journalists’ safety, and insisted that the Russian authorities intensify their efforts to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists...
OSCE Representative notes Russian Supreme Court resolution to improve judicial practice around online extremist content, urges legislative reform
Publishing date: 26 September 2018
VIENNA, 26 September 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today said he had taken note of the resolution by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, which aims at improving judicial practice in cases of alleged online extremist content...
OSCE Representative calls on Russia to drop legislative amendments that could undermine freedom of expression and access to information
Publishing date: 21 September 2018
VIENNA, 21 September 2018 – In a letter to the authorities of the Russian Federation the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern regarding the proposed amendments to the country’s Code of Administrative Offences and the Criminal Code, which were adopted yesterday in the final reading by the lower house of parliament, the State Duma. The amendments, among other things, strengthen the penalties for the dissemination of ‘false’ information related to defamation and information that affects privacy protection...