Noting that targeted killings, unexplained deaths and disappearances of journalists and media staff have claimed more than 200 lives in Russia since 1993,

Considering the extensive evidence of failure of the Russian authorities to satisfactorily investigate a number of these killings, to find those responsible and to deliver justice to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims of violence,

Insisting that impunity in the killing of journalists is a shocking violation of the fundamental rights of media staff and Russian citizens, which destroys people’s confidence in the rule of law and creates cynicism both at home and abroad,

Believing that the Russian media system, particularly in the field of broadcasting, does not provide adequate pluralism for free expression in a democracy,

Concerned by recent moves to isolate and eliminate media support groups in Russia, including the Educated Media Foundation and other non-government agencies,

Recognising the singular and important role of the Russian Union of Journalists, the largest independent organisation of creative professionals in the country, as a voice of independence in civil society,

Condemns the Russian authorities for the parlous state in which the country’s media and journalists today find themselves, and further,

Deplores the intimidation and provocative action of the authorities on May 28th 2007 in seeking to evict the Russian Union from the headquarters they have occupied in Moscow for 27 years.

The IFJ calls on the authorities to commit themselves to ending all impunity in the killing of journalists and media workers believing that such urgent action is needed to restore citizen’s confidence in Russia’s democratic institutions, and in particular, the media.

The IFJ Congress believes there is a need to strengthen editorial independence and free journalism in Russian media. The IFJ recommends an extensive and urgent review of all media policy, ownership and regulation in order to foster the conditions for the creation of a media economy based upon principles of independence, professionalism and the public interest.

The Congress demands that the Russian Agency of State Property withdraws immediately the threat to evict the Union from their premises and supports the Russian Union of Journalists in its insistence that its rights of occupation are clearly set out in presidential decrees and should be respected.

Finally, journalists’ unions around the world, in membership of the IFJ commit themselves to support Russian colleagues in their demands for an end to all pressure on journalists and for the development of a national media culture that will respect the democratic rights and liberties of all Russians.