OSCE representative criticizes steps to further increase government control of free expression and free flow of information online in Russia

VIENNA, 25 June 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today criticized amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation that could further increase government control of the Internet.

“I deplore yet another decision of the State Duma that could further restrict free expression and the free flow of information on the Internet,” Mijatović said. “I urge the authorities to seriously reconsider these changes because they threaten free media and compromise online pluralism in the name of fighting the vague concept of extremism.”

The amendments adopted on 20 June increase criminal liability for online calls for extremist activity to up to five years in prison.

According to legal analyses conducted by international experts, including the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission), the anti-extremism law lacks precision. The law could impose disproportionate restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms and infringe the principles of legality and necessity.

“This legislation may provoke fear among Internet users as they cannot legally predict if their exercise of free speech violates the law,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović reiterated that while fighting hate speech and countering calls for terrorist activity is a pivotal objective of security policy, restrictions on free expression should be carefully defined, as imprecise wording in anti-extremism legislation results in individuals not knowing whether their actions are legal.

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.