Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
78. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the increasing use of anti-extremism laws to prosecute reporters in Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20579/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe leveraging of anti-extremism laws to target reporters in Russia is greatly concerning. This is part of a broader deterioration in the domestic human rights situation, which has been severely undermined by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
I share the concerns raised by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on 7 May that Russia’s legislative framework to combat terrorism and extremism is being used to criminalise independent journalism.
The World Press Freedom Index released on 3 May describes a crusade against independent journalism in Russia. 30 journalists are currently detained under criminal charges, including terrorism, extremism, and violating the law on foreign agents.
In October, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia found that laws on anti-terrorism and anti-extremism are being used to limit freedom of expression. These measures have had such a silencing effect that more than 1,500 journalists have fled abroad since 2022.
Since March, seven journalists have faced charges, including for criticism of Russia’s war in Ukraine or for alleged links to the late Alexei Navalny, and his anti-corruption foundation, itself labelled as ‘extremist’ in 2021.
Ireland has welcomed the adoption of sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Regime, in view of the deterioration of the situation in Russia, including the listing in March of a number of individuals and entities linked to Mr. Navalny’s death. Ireland will support any further EU measures targeting those directly responsible for human rights violations in Russia.
Ireland is committed to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression. At Russia’s Universal Periodic Review and the Human Rights Council, Ireland called on Russia to end acts of intimidation, prosecution and violence against journalists. Journalists must be able to work without fear of reprisals – in line with Russia’s international human rights obligations.
