OSCE media freedom representative reiterates that foreign media outlets as such should not be included on sanctions lists
VIENNA, 25 May 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today reiterated that foreign media outlets and representatives should not be included on sanctions lists, following a recent decision by the Ukrainian authorities with regard to the information agencies RIA Novosti Ukraine and Rossiya Segodnya.
“Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are fundamental commitments of the OSCE participating States. Any limitations imposed on these rights should be limited in scope, proportional, and provide for adequate safeguards against abuse,” Désir said. “Foreign media, as such, should not be included on sanctions lists.”
On 14 May, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a decree re-enforcing sanctions against a number of organizations and individuals that pose a threat to national interest and security, including several media outlets, media managers and journalists. The decree also expanded a list of targeted media organizations by including RIA Novosti Ukraine and Rossiya Segodnya. The sanctions provide for the blocking of assets, limiting or terminating provision of telecommunications services and the use of telecommunication networks, and the blocking of websites.
“I call on the authorities to respect and fulfil the OSCE commitments aimed at improving the conditions under which journalists from one participating State practice their profession in other participating States,” Désir said.
The Representative has intervened on this issue in a number of occasions in the past, see https://www.osce.org/fom/122579 and https://www.osce.org/fom/182661.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com.