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The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, The State Duma of the Russian Federation, The YABLOKO faction, March 21, 2003

YABLOKO opposes the election campaign repressions introduced by the Central Electoral Commission

Statement*

The YABLOKO faction opposes the changes to the law "On the Mass Media" proposed by the Central Electoral Commission. The amendments refer to the work of the mass media during election campaigns.

These amendments represent another step towards total liquidation of freedom of speech in Russia.

The repressive measures applied to the mass media for violations of far-fetched and excessive restrictions will make it possible to selectively apply the law as an instrument to suppress dissenting journalists, candidates and parties.

Honest elections are threatened by arbitrary rule of the authorities rather than the work of journalists. Mass media reports on election campaign outside of propaganda materials represent the most important tool ensuring public control over the actions of bureaucracy.

If these amendments come into force, this will not only fail to guarantee open elections, but will also create additional possibilities to exploit the administrative resource to suppress independent mass media.

The amendment entitling web licensing agencies to revoke a license, if the license-holder commits "repeated violations" of the laws on elections and referendums causes our special concern. This amendment de facto provides the executive authorities with judiciary functions, whereas the court should remain the only body establishing whether a law has been violated.

YABLOKO calls on all State Duma deputies who consider support for citizens more important than the "administrative resource" to vote against the amendments, which introduce repressions against the dissenting mass media, and candidates and parties independent of the authorities, as well as their electorate.

March 21, 2003

Head of the faction

Grigory Yavlinsky


* The statement was made in connection with the State Duma review (on March 21, 2003, in the first reading) of the draft law "On Changes to Some Legislative Acts in Connection with the Adoption of the Federal Law "On Basic Guarantees of Franchise and the Right to Participate in a Referendum for the Citizens of the RF". The draft law was developed by the Central Electoral Commission and submitted to the State Duma by the President of the Russian Federation.


 

See also:

Freedom of Speech and Media Law in Russia

The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, The State Duma of the Russian Federation, The YABLOKO faction, March 21, 2003

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