International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
1 July 2004
ARTICLE 19 LAUNCHES GUIDE TO DEFAMATION LAW IN RUSSIA
In Russia, where 60 per cent of all defamation lawsuits are launched by State officials and the majority of defendants are journalists, free-expression advocates face a tough battle.
Independent media, squeezed by competing political groups who use media outlets as mouthpieces and by government officials weary of public criticism, are being targeted by defamation laws in a systematic way, says ARTICLE 19.
To assist those who are trying to address the problem of defamation in Russia, the organisation has published a reference guide called "The Price of Honour: A Guide to Defamation Law and Practice in Russia."
It analyses current defamation law in the country in the context of international standards and provides examples of how the law is being applied in practice. The guide also contains recommendations for reforming the law.
The guide is available at: http://www.article19.org/docimages/1800.doc
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