OSCE Representative concerned about precedent in take-down policy related to media websites in Latvia

VIENNA, 31 March 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović wrote today to Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs asking for more information about the shutting down of the sputniknews.lv news portal.

On 29 March the administrator of the domain .LV Registry shut down the Russian government-owned operation after receiving a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs questioning the legality of the portal’s operations and compliance with EU sanctions regulations.

“I am concerned that the actions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might set a dangerous precedent in a take-down policy related to media websites in Latvia,” Mijatović said in the letter. “As a general principle I would advise against blocking or the take down of websites, especially if it is done without judicial oversight.”

The Sputnik website in the Latvian language has resumed its operations under a new domain outside Latvian jurisdiction.

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.