News

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, denounced today the Russian authoritiesu2019 decision to outlaw one of the most popular Russian-language news portals, Meduza.

On 26 January, the Prosecutor Generalu2019s Office in Russia outlawed Meduza after declaring the media outlet an u201cundesirable organizationu201d based on claims that the outletu2019s activities pose a threat to the foundations of Russiau2019s constitutional order and security.

Under Russian legislation, an u2018undesirable organizationu2019 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.

u201cThe outlawing of Meduza shows yet again that the Russian authorities disregard international principles and the OSCEu2019s 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,u201d Ribeiro said.

Moreover, Ribeiro expressed concern about Russiau2019s earlier, similar outlawing of investigative media portals u2014 Proekt, Istories, The Insider and Bellingcat u2014 as well as the continued mass designation of media outlets and journalists as u201cforeign agentsu201d.

As early as 2015, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media warned about Russiau2019s legislation related to u2018undesirable organizationsu2019 and its negative effects on freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism of opinions.

Source: OSCE