Media Freedom Representative denounces new step in continued isolation of Russian citizens from any form of independent information
VIENNA, 22 September 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, today again strongly denounced the continued infringement on the right to freedom of expression and media freedom by the Russian authorities.
The Representative’s comment follows the statement issued by media regulatory agency in Russia, Roskomnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media) on 21 September, in which it urged that all media outlets have to use only information from Russian official sources when reporting on mobilization measures to army. The regulator said that the dissemination of “false information” would entail administrative liability and online blockings.
“The pressure exerted on freedom of expression and media freedom has reached another disappointing point in Russia. With an information infrastructure completely under control of the government and no room for other news than the state controlled one, the authorities continue moving towards isolation of its citizens from any form of independent information, therefore depriving them from one of their most fundamental rights: freedom to seek and receive information of all kinds,” Ribeiro said.
“I reiterate my call on the authorities to fulfill their relevant OSCE principles and commitments and ensure an enabling environment for media to freely report on matters of public interest without undue interference, threats and intimidation,” the Representative concluded.
The Representative also expressed concern regarding reports that several media workers were obstructed or detained by law enforcement officials, while fulfilling their professional activities and covering public protests related to announcement of mobilization to army, in different cities of the country.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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/osce.rfom.