Media Union challenges new crisis law: press freedom at risk?

The Riigikogu has passed a crisis management and national defence law that allows the government, police and defence forces to restrict media during wartime. The Estonian Media Union intends to appeal to the president and ombudsman to protect press freedom.

The Estonian Media Union has decided to appeal to the president and, if necessary, the ombudsman following the Riigikogu's passage of the crisis management and national defence law. The law allows the government, police and defence forces — not just the executive — to restrict media during wartime, raising serious concerns among media organisations.

The Media Union argues that the expansion of these powers to the police and defence forces threatens press freedom, a cornerstone of democratic society. The organisation emphasises that free and independent journalism is especially important during wartime, not the reverse.

By appealing to the president, the Media Union hopes the head of state will exercise his constitutional right to refuse to enact the law or refer it to the ombudsman for a constitutional review. The ombudsman can then assess whether the new media restriction powers are consistent with Estonia's constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The adoption of the crisis management and national defence law is part of a broader national defence law reform aimed at ensuring Estonia's ability to cope with various crisis situations, including armed conflict. The Media Union does not contest the need for the reform as a whole, but demands clearer safeguards to ensure media restrictions remain an extraordinary and justified measure.