WRITTEN QUESTION E-0299/03

by Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission

(7 February 2003)

Subject: Closure of the www.savechechnya.org website in the Russian Federation

On 21 January 2003 the Russian Internet service provider Mastak.Ru decided to close the www.savechechnya.org information website of the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (CNO). Ms Galina Borisova, the service provider's representative, explained Mastak.Ru's decision as follows: Our company has always tried to stay outside political questions and your site has an anti-Russian slant, which creates serious problems for us in our work. However, the site in question, which provided independent information on the humanitarian and political situation in Chechnya and campaigned against the war in the Caucasian Republic, never had the slightest anti-Russian content. The decision to close the site represents a violation of the right of users of Russian, Chechen or any other nationality to free and independent information. It constitutes a new attack on the freedoms and fundamental rights of citizens of the Russian Federation, a breach of the Russian Federation's international undertakings and a fresh obstacle to the freedom of action of the NGOs. It contributes, furthermore, to reinforcing still further the news blackout on the many abuses of power committed by the Russian military and paramilitary forces in Chechnya.

What information does the Commission have on this matter? Has the Commission asked the Russian authorities for an explanation of this latest arbitrary decision violating freedom of thought and speech? What steps will the Commission take to induce the authorities in the Russian Federation to put an end to the continual erosion of the fundamental freedoms and civil and political rights of the citizens of the Russian Federation?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2003)

The Commission is aware of reports that a private Russian Internet provider has decided to refuse to host the Internet sites of the Chechen Committee for National Salvation and the Council of non-governmental organisations, allegedly for their anti-Russian content.

The Commission is, however, not aware that there is evidence of pressure having been brought by the authorities on the Internet provider to refuse to host the Internet sites in question. It would appear that this particular matter should be settled between those directly involved.

The Commission is, nonetheless, deeply concerned at increasing indications of intolerance towards freedom of expression and towards minorities in particular Chechens in Russia. It has raised its concerns with the Russian authorities on numerous occasions and will continue to do so. It has also devoted considerable technical assistance to promote media independence, for example, with the aim of training journalists in objective reporting techniques and professional ethics. The Commission plans to provide further support to the development of independent media in selected regions in Russia, as part of its efforts to boost the role of Russian civil society.

The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation on freedom of expression in Russia.