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MLDI and its Russian partner, the Mass Media Defence Centre, have intervened in the case of Orlovskaya Gazeta v. Russia, before the European Court of Human Rights. The case arose from a fine that was imposed on the newspaper, 'Orlovskaya Gazeta', for giving their opinion on a political matter during election times - something that is strictly forbidden under Russian law.

MLDI and MMDC's intervention points out that the fine imposed on Orlovskaya Gazeta violates not only the right of the newspaper to comment on matters of public interest, but also the right of the public to receive this information. The intervention provides an overview of law and practice in three of Europe’s largest and best established democracies – the United Kingdom, France and Germany – and shows that Russian law is clearly out of step with these countries.

The intervention also points out that the fine imposed on Orlovskaya Gazeta is not an isolated incident: in every election period, several such fines are imposed on the media. This contributes to a general reticence amongst the print media to provide clear and honest coverage of elections and impairs the ability of the few independent newspapers that are left to perform their duty as watchdog of democratic society.

MLDI and MMDC urge the Court to order the Russian government to change its laws and allow the print media to comment freely and honestly on matters of politics in times of elections, thereby ensuring the public’s right to be adequately informed.

MLDI and MMDC's intervention can be downloaded by clicking here.