Foreign media houses suspend operations in Russia over new law
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new bill into law that threatens up to 15 years of jail term for propagating "fake news." The development has prompted global media houses to temporarily halt operations in Russia to safeguard their journalists. Several media organizations, including BBC, CBC, and Bloomberg News have said that their journalists will stop their work in the country.
Which media houses have stopped operations?
BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Company, and Bloomberg News have said their journalists were stopping work in Russia. On the other hand, CNN and CBS have announced they would stop broadcasting in the country. Several other outlets have removed their Russia-based journalists' bylines to protect their identity. Meanwhile, The Washington Post, Dow Jones, and Reuters said they were evaluating the new legislation and the situation.
What does the new law say?
According to state news agency Tass, the new law, that was passed by Putin on Friday evening, makes intentionally spreading "fake" or "false" news about Russia's war in Ukraine a criminal offense. Publicly calling for sanctions against Russia will also be an offense now. Under the new law, people can be fined or face up to 15 years in jail.
"New law criminalizes independent journalism"
The law "appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism" in Russia, said Tim Davie, the BBC's director-general. On the other hand, a CNN spokesperson said "we continue to evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward".
Russia cracks down on news outlets
Russia has repeatedly accused the US and its West European allies of spreading false information to sow discord among the Russians. It has already launched a crackdown on several news outlets and social media platforms following its invasion of Ukraine. Notably, the Kremlin objects to the invasion being termed as a war, and instead calls it a "special military operation".
Facebook, Twitter blocked in Russia
Meanwhile, Russia has blocked social networking platform Facebook in the country, claiming that it restricts access to Russian media. Earlier this week, Facebook had said it will limit access to Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik on its platforms across the European Union. Several news reports have claimed that Twitter and YouTube have also been blocked throughout the nation.
