WAN believes that President Medvedev has an historic opportunity to influence the introduction of a new era for media pluralism and freedom in Russia and encourages him to rapidly take measures in this direction.

Measures should include the revision of amendments to the Law on Fighting Extremist Activity, which broadened the definition of extremism to include media criticism of state officials and public discussion of extremism, giving law enforcement agencies broad authority to suspend media outlets. The right of journalists to challenge and criticize public officials and to cover all sides of any story, especially when reporting on publicly important issues, is essential and must be encouraged.

In this context, WAN calls on Russian lawmakers to duly consult media stakeholders and professional associations in the process of drafting amendments to existing laws, including the Federal Law on the Mass Media, or in writing new laws that pertain fully or in part to media and freedom of expression. Such broad consultations can only reinforce the quality and legitimacy of the laws at stake, as well as their full compliance with international standards of freedom of expression, and in turn contribute to the vibrancy of the press.

WAN believes that the Russian legislature and members of the Government have a critical role to play in creating a sound legal and business environment in which the independent press, both national and regional, can sustain and develop.

WAN also invites President Medvedev to call anew for thorough and impartial investigations to be carried out into the unresolved murders of journalists in order for those responsible to be swiftly brought to justice. At the same time, he should demand an end to the administrative harassment of media outlets throughout Russia.