OSCE Representative denounces restrictive measures on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as “foreign agents” in Russia

VIENNA, 6 July 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today denounced the fine imposed on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for not complying with a Russian law regulating the activities of media outlets branded by the authorities as “foreign agents.”

According to reports, on 5 July the Tverskoi district court in Moscow ordered RFE/RL to pay 100,000 rubles ($1,600) for delaying the submission of its financial report to the Justice Ministry due to lack of clarity in procedures.

“The court’s decision clearly shows that the “foreign agents” law unduly hinders the work of media outlets and narrows the space for freedom of the media in the Russian Federation,” Désir said. “I reiterate my call on the authorities to refrain from discriminating against the media.”

Earlier, in November 2017 and July 2018, Désir addressed the matter with the authorities, referring to the “foreign agents” law as a discriminatory measure which runs counter to OSCE commitments on freedom of expression and freedom of the media (see https://www.osce.org/fom/357111 and https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/386669).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter:@OSCE_RFoMand onwww.facebook.com/osce.rfom