Russia's State Duma okays bill over 'discrimination & restrictions' against Russian media

Amid West's sanction on Russian media over ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Russian Federation decided to pass a law in a tit-for-tat reaction to countries that "discriminate against Russian media or restrict Russian media". On Tuesday, Russian State Duma approved a bill that will give  prosecutor general and his deputies power to ban media from countries that have imposed limitations or prevented Russian media from operating on ir soil. y would also have power to revoke foreign media's registration and licenses for publishing illegal information, such as stories showing disrespect to Russia's public, government and Constitution, and disparaging country's Armed Forces, TASS reported.

Lawmakers are considering including a clause in Law on Information that would allow authorities to restrict access to content resources that spre "unlawful information" on a regular basis. bill proposes changes to Law on Mass Media, including lowering standards for news resources and strengning prosecutor general's authority.

According to bill, media outlets may also be closed if y transmit discrediting material about Russian army or are linked to imposition of political and economic sanctions against Russia by foreign states. Also, foreign journalists can be cancelled in country as a result of "unfriendly acts" or restrictions put on Russian media in ir home countries.

Russia imposed prison sentences of up to 15 years for disseminating false information

After conflict began, Russia imposed prison sentences of up to 15 years for disseminating false information about its "military aggression" in Ukraine and its troops. A number of foreign news organisations have alrey departed from Russia. Last week, Committee to Protect Journalists urged Russian government to repeal new law, claiming it would enable arbitrary shutdown of media institutions and raise number of journalists arrested for disclosing information. 

Just last week, post Cana's decision to ban Russian media outlet RT, Russia said that it would close Canian Brocasting Corporation's Moscow offices. Russian media is forbidden from using terms "war" or "invasion" to describe Moscow's military effort in Ukraine, and must inste use term "special military operation." In recent weeks, majority of country's top independent media outlets, including influential newspaper Novaya Gazeta have been closed or suspended, according to media reports.

Image: AP