Doc. 11078
12 October 2006

Freedom of expression and information in the media and Russia’s commitments and obligations as a member state of the Council of Europe

Written question No 508 to the Committee of Ministers
presented by Mr. Lindblad

Freedom of expression and information in the media constitutes a core value guaranteed throughout Europe by the European Convention on Human Rights. As late as in April 2005 the Parliamentary Assembly called upon all member states to ensure that journalists could work safely on their territories.

The killing of Anna Politkovskaya displays that the parliamentarians’ concern was justified. “People sometimes pay with their lives for saying out loud what they think”. This is a quotation of Anna Politkovskaya. Demonstrating an admirable civil courage and professional skill in her work as a journalist and an author, she promoted the principles of democracy, human rights and freedom of the media. Through her independent and extensive reporting she drew attention to human rights’ abuses in Chechnya. She became a voice for the Chechen population in their suffering beyond description.

The Democracy Forum on the Code of Good Practice for Political Parties will be hosted by Russia in Moscow next week. On that occasion, too, it is of the utmost importance to point out that journalistic freedom is one of the pillars of democracy.

What actions will the Committee of Minister take to ensure that Russia lives up to its commitments and obligations as a member of the Council of Europe?

Signed ¹:

LINDBLAD, Göran, Sweden, EPP/CD

¹     SOC: Socialist Group
       EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party
      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
      EDG: European Democratic Group
      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left
      NR: not registered in a group