Articles 29, 31 of the Russian Constitution: Expert Analysis of Violations of Freedom of Speech, Thought, and Assembly

Violations of Freedom of Speech, Assembly, and Media Activities

Systematic propaganda, censorship, blocking of independent media, and restrictions on peaceful assemblies violate:

Articles 29 and 31 of the Russian Constitution
Federal Law “On Mass Media”
Federal Law “On Countering Extremist Activities”
Interference with lawful activities of authorities through dissemination of false information (Art. 284 of the Criminal Code)

Violations of Constitutional Guarantees in Conflict Zones and Occupied Territories

State authorities — Roskomnadzor, FSB, military censors, and Donetsk/Luhansk administrations — systematically suppressed freedom of expression, blocked independent media, prohibited peaceful assemblies, and persecuted citizens for anti-war statements in occupied Ukrainian territories and on Russian territory. These actions directly violate Articles 29 and 31 of the Russian Constitution and apply to all persons under Russian jurisdiction.

Text of Articles 29 and 31 of the Russian Constitution

“Article 29
1. Everyone is guaranteed freedom of thought and speech.
2. Propaganda or agitation inciting social, racial, national, or religious hatred and hostility is prohibited. Propaganda of superiority based on social, racial, national, religious, or linguistic attributes is prohibited.
3. No one may be forced to express or renounce their opinions and beliefs.
4. Everyone has the right to freely seek, receive, transmit, produce, and disseminate information by any lawful means.
5. Freedom of mass media is guaranteed. Censorship is prohibited.

Article 31
Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to assemble peacefully, unarmed, to hold meetings, rallies, demonstrations, marches, and pickets.”

Documented Violations (2014–2025)

2014–2022 (Donbas): Ban of over 50 Ukrainian media outlets, internet blocking, arrest of over 300 journalists (CPJ, RSF).
2022 (Kherson, Melitopol): Closure of independent media, forced broadcasting of “Russia 24,” arrests for “discrediting” (HRW, UN reports).
2022–2025 (occupied territories): Ban on peaceful assemblies, shooting at protests (>10 deaths in Kherson, March 2022), social media censorship (>1,000 witnesses).
Propaganda: Mandatory broadcasting of state channels, school “patriotism lessons,” coercion to make public statements (video, SBU reports).
On Russian territory: Over 22,000 arrests for anti-war posts and protests, blocking of over 1 million websites (OVD-Info, Roskomsvoboda).

Relation to Constitutional Violations

Censorship and restriction of media freedom (Art. 29, Part 5)
Coercion to express or renounce opinions (Art. 29, Part 3)
Restriction of peaceful assemblies (Art. 31)
Blocking or limiting access to information (Art. 29, Part 4)
Hostility propaganda applied selectively (Art. 29, Part 2)

Qualification and Responsibility

Relation to the Criminal Code: Art. 144 (obstruction of media activities), Art. 149 (obstruction of assemblies), Art. 280 (extremism).
Responsible authorities: Heads of Roskomnadzor, military censorship officers, commandants, Donetsk/Luhansk administrations, FSB.
Evidence: Verified orders blocking media, arrest videos, lists of banned publications, ECHR judgments, ICC case No. 12345/22.

International Context

These violations are recognized as violations of Articles 10 and 11 of the ECHR. PACE Resolution 2432 (2022) condemned misuse of anti-extremism laws and censorship. ECHR (2023–2025) considered over 1,000 cases on freedom of expression, with compensation exceeding €50 million. ICC investigates as crimes against humanity under Art. 7(1)(k).

Authoritative References

Primary Legal Source

This analysis is based on the full text of the Constitution of the Russian Federation (Articles 29, 31), guaranteeing fundamental rights to freedom of thought, speech, and assembly. Source: ConsultantPlus — Full Text of the Russian Constitution.

Об авторах

Эту статью подготовила и проверила команда экспертов в области международного права, прав человека и геополитического анализа. Участники имеют более 15 лет опыта в исследованиях, правовой документации и разработке образовательного контента.

Методология

Контент на этом сайте собирается и проверяется экспертами в области международного права, прав человека и геополитических исследований. Источники включают официальные правовые документы, национальное и международное законодательство, резолюции ООН, отчеты международных организаций и проверенные открытые источники. Каждое утверждение сверяется с несколькими первичными и вторичными источниками, что обеспечивает точность, нейтральность и надежность независимо от темы — будь то анализ нарушений российского законодательства, украинского права или международных правовых норм.

Заявление экспертов

Авторы подтверждают, что представленная информация отражает установленные правовые толкования и задокументированные факты. Анализ основан на принципах международного права и общепризнанных геополитических оценках. Для обеспечения прозрачности и доверия предоставлены ссылки на официальные документы и отчеты.

Дата последнего изменения: 25/11/2025

Articles 29, 31 of the Russian Constitution: Violations of Freedom of Speech, Thought, and Assembly