§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the fines recently imposed on the Newspaper Novaya Gazetta are contrary to Russia's international obligations to the Council of Europe or to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and whether this matter will be discussed as an issue of collective responsibility. [HL4092]
52WA
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe level of fines imposed onNovaya Gaeta is a matter for the Russian courts. However Russia is obliged as a member of the Council of Europe to abide by Article 10 ("Freedom of Expression") of the European Convention on Human Rights and to respect the OSCE principle of freedom of the press and media. It follows that damages should be proportionate to the offence and should not be used punitively in order to drive a newspaper out of business. We therefore welcome reports that the fines may be reduced following negotiations between the plaintiff, who had sued the newspaper for defamation, and the newspaper's editor.
Her Majesty's Government continue to monitor closely the situation of the media in Russia. Along with our EU partners we have reminded the Russian authorities of the special importance of the independence and plurality of the media. Her Majesty's Government agree with the conclusion of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) at its April session that Russia needs to be more rigorous in promoting fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and supports PACE's decision to continue monitoring Russia's implementation of its commitments and obligations as a member of the Council of Europe.