OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns Russia’s decision to outlaw independent news outlet Meduza

VIENNA, 27 January 2023 — OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, denounced today the Russian authorities’ decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals, Meduza.

On 26 January, the Prosecutor General’s Office in Russia outlawed Meduza after declaring the media outlet an “undesirable organization” based on claims that the outlet’s activities pose a threat to the foundations of Russia’s constitutional order and security.

Under Russian legislation, an ‘undesirable organization’ is effectively banned from operating in Russian territory under threat of criminal and administrative prosecution. The legislation also broadly extends to alleged affiliation with and providing support to such an organization.

“The outlawing of Meduza shows yet again that the Russian authorities disregard international principles and the OSCE’s media freedom commitments, as well as continue to isolate Russian citizens from independent information. I call on the authorities to repeal this decision and stop intimidation and harassment of media,” Ribeiro said.

Moreover, Ribeiro expressed concern about Russia’s earlier, similar outlawing of investigative media portals — Proekt, Istories, The Insider and Bellingcat — as well as the continued mass designation of media outlets and journalists as “foreign agents”.

As early as 2015, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media warned about Russia’s legislation related to ‘undesirable organizations’ and its negative effects on freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism of opinions.  

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.