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(Adopted at the meeting of the Bureau of the Federal Council of the Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO on February 22, 2003. The Bureau of the Federal Council is one of the ruling bodies of the party: it includes 30 people from different Russian regions.)
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO expresses its concern regarding developments in the Russian media. The closure of Noviye Izvestia newspaper represents another serious step towards a curbing in freedom of speech. The view of journalists of this paper on developments in the country differed from the official one.
Violent acts starting in the country in 2000, the use of the law enforcement agencies as a means to pressurise journalists and media owners, selective application of the law, persecution of the opponents in state-controlled media led to the launch of self-censorship of the media owners which results in tough censorship of journalists. Media owners get rid of "awkward" journalists and journalists' teams at the slightest hint of discontent of the authorities, and even without waiting for such a hint.
The same developments have been observed in the regions, where developments at federal level are regarded as a signal to attack independent journalism.
The area of freedom in the Russian information area has been shrinking like shagreen leather. Russian society has been losing the opportunity to discuss the acute problems facing the country.
There is a real threat that on the threshold of parliamentary and presidential elections the campaign of "mopping up" the information field will intensify.
The Russian Democratic Party YABLOKO considers protection of the freedom of speech a political priority and a key task for all democratic forces. We calling on all democratic forces in the country to unite, in order to oppose further attacks on freedom of speech.
Chairman of the party
Grigory Yavlinsky
See also:
Freedom of Speech and Media Law in Russia
Interfax, February 25, 2003. Media freedom under threat, states Russian opposition party.
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