OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of the Russian Federation
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met today, 22 January 2021, with Ambassador Alexander Lukashevich to discuss the situation of freedom of expression and freedom of the media in the Russian Federation and the wider OSCE region.
Ribeiro encouraged authorities to promote an enabling environment for media freedom, and safe working conditions for journalists in Russia. She reiterated the importance of the commitments outlined in the 2018 Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists.
The RFoM raised her concerns about various legal changes introduced in Russia at the end of 2020, including those related to restrictions affecting the free flow of information online and to the broadening practice of declaring organizations and individuals as ‘foreign agents’. Ribeiro offered the expert assistance of her Office in bringing the national legislation in line with relevant international standards and OSCE commitments.
Ribeiro and Lukashevich also discussed the growing role of internet intermediaries in content regulation and the impact this can have on human rights and fundamental freedoms.