PEN & Free Word Association call on Russian authorities to respect right to freedom of expression

Vladimir Putin was re-elected as President with over 75 per cent of the vote

PEN International, St Petersburg PEN and Free Word Association call on Russian authorities to respect right to freedom of expression

19 March 2018 – Following yesterday’s presidential election in the Russian Federation, which saw the re-election of Vladimir Putin, PEN International, St Petersburg PEN and Free Word Association call on the Russian authorities to uphold the right to freedom of expression. The sharp downward trend of recent years with regard to respect for free speech was maintained across all forms of media during the election campaign, particularly in the digital sphere. A considerable number of registered media outlets, including major television broadcasters, are founded, owned or supported by the State or affiliated structures.

‘Free and independent media are necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and participation, all fundamental elements of a democratic system of governance. They are essential preconditions to realising voters’ rights to full and accurate information and to participate in debate and dialogue on policy matters’, said Elena Chizhova, director of St. Petersburg PEN.

In addition, PEN International, St Petersburg PEN and Free Word Association are concerned about the potential impact of strengthened government control over the internet and social media, particularly in urban areas.

‘We have been alarmed in recent years by attacks and threats, usually met with impunity, as well as politically motivated investigations and prosecutions of journalists, bloggers and media employees in connection with their right to freedom of expression’, said Tatiana Bonch-Osmolovskaya, member of Free Word Association initiative group.

PEN International, St Petersburg PEN and Free Word Association have been highly concerned by the sustained worsening of the free expression environment in the Russian Federation under the incumbent presidency of Vladimir Putin. Since his return to power in May 2012, the authorities have been taking ever more extreme measures to consolidate control over the flow of information both online and offline.

‘We call on the Russian authorities to comply with constitutional norms and to refrain from censorship, which affects independent journalists and dissenting voices in the blogosphere, theatre, cinema and other artistic expression’, said Carles Torner, Executive Director of PEN International. He added: ‘As well as a change in practice, this will require the repeal and amendment of laws stifling free expression including the counter-terrorism and anti-extremism legislative packages, with a view to removing the provisions that unnecessarily and disproportionately curtail free speech.’

For more information, please contact Laurens Hueting, Europe Programme Coordinator of PEN International, at laurens.hueting@pen-international.org.