EU criticizes Russian legislation on foreign media

BRUSSELS, Nov 26 (KUNA) -- The EU criticised Sunday a new legislation in Russia that allows the Ministry of Justice to impose the use of the "foreign agent" label against any foreign media receiving, directly or indirectly, foreign funding.
"The "foreign agent" legislation goes against Russia's human rights obligations and commitments, and... is a further threat to free and independent media and to access to information," said Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, in a statement today.
The Russian President signed the legislation yesterday, it noted.
The EU "has a longstanding and clear position that the existing Russian legislation on labelling NGOs as "foreign agents" and the ensuing fines, inspections and stigmatisation for the organisations labelled, further tighten the restrictions on the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Russia," it added. (end) nk.mt