| (WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, this morning discussed restrictions on media freedom and the deterioration of democracy in Russia with Russian journalists and opposition figures. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“It is time to stand up to regimes who imprison their own people. From Moscow, to Tehran, to Pyongyang, to Havana, it is time for this Administration to put human rights – and not diplomatic niceties – on top of America’s priority list.
“Journalists are an endangered breed in Russia.
“Increasing and deeply disturbing harassment, violent intimidation and murders of Russian journalists are an unacceptable affront to the fundamental tenants of democracy.
“The Russian people made tremendous progress towards democracy in the wake of the collapse of Soviet totalitarianism. But rather than continue on a freedom trajectory, the Kremlin is dragging the Russian people back into the tyrannical abyss.
“That is why I will be sending a bi-partisan letter to President Obama expressing the strong concern that Members of Congress have over Russia’s alarming human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law.”
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