OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Désir urges Russian authorities to refrain from broadening “foreign agents” status to individuals

VIENNA, 20 November 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, reiterated his call today on the Russian parliament to withdraw the draft law which extends the status of a “media outlet - foreign agent” to individuals.

The draft law, which passed its second reading yesterday, allows government authorities to label individuals as “foreign agents” when they publish (off- or online) information, like written texts or audiovisual material, for a broader public, and receive any funding or other assets from foreign or international governmental and non-governmental sources.

The draft law would impose significant administrative burdens upon the concerned individuals and media organizations. It would also tighten the punishment for non-compliance with the new regulations, including by immediate blocking of access to the online materials when information is disseminated without the notification of having originated from a “foreign agent”.

“This draft law represents a disproportionate interference in the freedom of expression and media freedom,” said Désir. “It may have a considerable chilling effect on journalists, as well as on bloggers, experts, or other individuals publishing information, particularly online. I call on the State Duma to drop the proposed amendments.”

Earlier in January 2018, Désir criticized the draft law after it passed the first reading (see https://www.osce.org/fom/368161).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He/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.