Challenges faced by independent media in Russia - at the center of the attention of informal OSCE Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists
On June 14, 2021, the Vienna-based informal OSCE Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists, co-chaired by Lithuania and France, discussed the challenges faced by the independent media in the Russian Federation.
For almost 5 years now, the so-called "foreign agent" laws and imposed labelling requirements severely restrict the ability of media outlets and journalists to work freely and without undue interference in Russia. In recent months, due to continuous extension of the restrictions provided by these laws and the intensification of their application, the crackdown against free and independent media is felt more than ever.
These laws were designed with a single purpose - to silence any opposition voice. Broad scope of the laws and their vague provisions, as well as absence of verification of their application allow the Russian state authorities to target any media platform or journalist that it deems unsuitable. The real threat to be stigmatized, loose financial support and face imposition of heavy fines or even criminal charges, forces to self-censor all media actors, not only the ones already labelled as "foreign agent".
As a consequence, the work of independent media outlets, journalists and other media actors in Russia has become virtually impossible. Regretfully there are no signs that these worrisome trends will be soon reversed.
Lithuania stands ready to continue supporting every journalist, media actor, as well as media outlets, facing repressions in Russia. It is our obligation to use all available tools against threats to free and independent media, ensuring free access to information, and stopping further attempts to shrink the space for independent voices in Russia.
