Freedom limited. The right to freedom of expression in the Russian Federation

Recommendations:

Amnesty International urges the Russian authorities:

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  To uphold the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association and to allow restrictions only when prescribed by law and where they are strictly necessary, in accordance with international human rights law;
  
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  To address the deficiencies in the NGO law and its implementing regulations so that the law enables the exercise of the right to freedom of association; to address suggestions brought forward by the Presidential Council on human rights and the development of civil society organizations;
  
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  To give clear instructions to the Federal Registration Service on how to review the activities of civil society organizations in a manner that does not restrict the right to freedom of expression and association
  
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  To amend the overly broad provisions in the law to combat extremist activities which have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and association;
  
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  To refrain from using “extremism”-related and other laws to clamp down on peaceful dissent, independent media and civil society organizations;
  
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  Promote awareness of and adhere to the principles of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;
  
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  Recognize, and refrain from violating, the rights of members of the LGBT community to freedom of expression, association and assembly;
  
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  To instruct law enforcement bodies on policing public meetings in line with Russian law and international human rights standards guaranteeing the right to freedom of assembly;
  
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  To ensure journalists can conduct their professional work, including observing sanctioned and unsanctioned public meetings and demonstrations, without arbitrary interference from law enforcement officials;
  
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  To investigate fully, promptly and impartially any reported human rights abuses against civil society activists, journalists and members of the political opposition and to bring to justice anyone suspected of involvement in such abuses in trials which meet international standards of fair trial.