The Vienna-based OSCE, to which 57 countries are members, will have a team of experts investigate the situation in Russia in the near future. The mission is being carried out at the request of 38 countries, including our country. The team will investigate whether Russia, itself a member of the OSCE, has worsened the human rights situation in recent years. The possible consequences of this for the Russian population, the free media and the rule of law in the country are being examined.
Icelandic OSCE Ambassador Kristín Árnadóttir, speaking on behalf of the 38 member states, cites several reasons for the investigation. For example, there is the legislation introduced in March that criminalises so-called fake news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition, hundreds of political prisoners are said to be held in Russian detention centers, where possible torture and other ill-treatment have taken place.
According to Árnadóttir, there are “all indications of the violation of democracy, the situation of human rights and the rule of law in Russia”. The research report must be completed in September.