ARTICLE 19, Mass Media Defence Centre, OVD-Info, PEN International, Roskomsvoboda, and the Sova Centre have submitted a Joint UPR Submission on the situation of freedom of expression in Russia, for consideration at the 30th Session of the Working Group in May 2018.
The submission raises issues related to:
- Legislation primarily used to restrict freedom of expression
- Freedom of expression online
- Media freedom
- Safety of journalists
- The operating environment for NGOs
- The right to peaceful assembly
- Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity
- Freedom of expression in Occupied Crimea.
During its last review in 2013, Russia received multiple recommendations regarding freedom of expression, and none have been implemented. Instead, the government has enacted a series of restrictive laws and pursued policies that gravely violate the right to freedom of expression, particularly targeting political opposition and civil society.
Read full submission
Read updated submission
[to reflect developments between October 2017 and March 2018]