OSCE representative express concern about detainment of Russian media freedom defender

BUDVA, 5 June 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the detention of Anna Sharogradskaya, Director of the Regional Press Institute, an NGO in Saint Petersburg.

“The authorities’ detention of Sharogradskaya without due cause serves a clear signal of harassment of all media freedom defenders in Russia”, Mijatović said.

Sharogradskaya was detained on 5 June at Pulkovo airport on her way to a teaching assignment in the US. She was later released without any charges being brought on her. All her files and electronic devices were seized. Recently Sharogradskaya’s NGO complained about the Prosecutor Office’s checks of the organization's activities, following a 2012 law that requires NGOs receiving foreign funding to register with the Justice Ministry as “foreign agents”.

The Regional Press Institute was established more than 20 years ago. It is instrumental in developing and strengthening free and independent media in the Russian Federation through professional trainings organized for journalists and assistance to the media outlets. The Institute also does media monitoring and organizes open discussions on the subject.

Mijatović is in Budva, Montenegro, attending the 39th meeting of the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities.

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 facebook.com/osce.rfom.