WRITTEN QUESTION E-0186/03 by Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission. Freedom of opinion and speech in Russia.
Date: 2003-01-31
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Russia, cooperation policy, freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, pluralism in the media, press

10.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 161 E/191

However, in France’s decree No 2000-754, Article 2 introduces the possibility to extend the period of
‘capture, keeping or other judicious use of certain birds in small numbers’. In its ruling, the French Conseil
d’Etat did not come to a conclusion about the legality of Article 2 of decree No 2000-754. It considered
that an answer to this question is contingent on knowing if it is possible to use Article 9(1)(c) of the Birds
Directive to derogate in relation to hunting, and especially to proposed extensions of hunting seasons.

This is why the French Conseil d’Etat, in January 2002, has referred several questions to the European
Court of Justice regarding interpretation of the possible use of derogations for hunting. Further clarification
is likely only when the Court of Justice pronounces on a recent preliminary reference from the French
Conseil d’Etat.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979.

(2003/C 161 E/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0186/03

by Olivier Dupuis (NI) to the Commission

(31 January 2003)

Subject: Freedom of opinion and speech in Russia

For nearly a year the Russian movement Iduchtïï vmeste (‘marchers together’), which claims to have almost
100 000 members, most of them students, has been conducting a vigorous campaign against authors it
describes as ‘marginal’, ‘pornographic’ and ‘literary hooligans’. In particular, its attacks have been directed
against two distinguished authors, Viktor Pelevine and Vladimir Sorokine. The movement has brought a
case against Mr Sorokine and his publisher, Alexander Ivanov, for ‘propagating pornography and perverted
sexual practices’. The investigation is under way and the publisher, Ad Marginem, has already been
subjected to two searches by the Russian authorities. If they are found guilty, Sorokine and Ivanov risk a
two-year prison term.

What information does the Commission have regarding this campaign of denigration and intimidation (cid:1)
carried out with the more or less open support of
the Russian authorities (cid:1) against writers and
intellectuals in Russia? What steps has the Commission taken, or does it intend to take, to obtain
undertakings from the Russian authorities that they will provide full and practical guarantees of freedom of
opinion for all Russian citizens? In the light of this possible new threat to the freedom of speech and
thought of citizens and the media in Russia, does the Commission not take the view that it should re-
examine the criteria on which its policy towards the Russian Federation is based, inter alia as regards aid to
the press?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 2003)

The Commission does not have specific information on this Russian movement. However, the Commission
shares the concern of the Honourable Member over reports that freedom of expression has been either
curtailed or is under threat in Russia. The Commission is particularly concerned about the deteriorating
situation of the independent media, both at federal and regional levels, which is likely to lead to reduced
impartiality, independence and professionalism among print and broadcast media.

In its dealings with the Russian authorities, the Commission has consistently emphasised the importance of
freedom of expression and strong, independent media. That the Commission has devoted considerable
technical assistance to promote the independence of regional mass media, 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.

In more political terms, the Commission has in the past raised (cid:1) and will continue to raise (cid:1) the issues of
freedom of expression and media control in meetings with the Russian authorities as part of the intensive
Union/Russia political dialogue. A close partnership with Russia can only be built on firm foundations of
shared values, which must include guarantees for freedom of expression. The Commission will continue to
closely follow all developments in this field.