October 22, 2024 - France, Strasbourg

European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling in Kobaliya and Others v. Russia confirms what we've long known: Russia's "foreign agent" law is arbitrary and a tool for silencing dissent.

Women Press Freedom data shows that women journalists are increasingly targeted by the Kremlin, with 14 violations under this oppressive law documented so far in 2024.

The ECtHR found that the law lacks clear criteria, leading to unjust labeling of journalists and organizations as "foreign agents."

This ruling is a victory for press freedom, but the fight continues. Repressive regimes and leaders with authoritarian tendencies are copying Russia's tactics. In Georgia, despite widespread protests, the Russian-style foreign agent law was enacted this year. With the country's Constitutional Court refusing to suspend it, 16 media outlets, 120 civil society groups, and others will now take their fight to the ECtHR, arguing the law violates freedom of expression and association.

Women Press Freedom stands with all those challenging these unjust laws used to silence independent media and critical voices. While the #ECtHR ruling may not deter Russia, it sends a signal to other would-be autocrats that such laws will not go unchallenged.