Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a series of bills that would criminalize the spreading of “fake news” or “blatant disrespect” for the…
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a series of bills that would criminalize the spreading of “fake news” or “blatant disrespect” for the state, but which critics say is intended to chill free speech critical of the government.
Any outlet convicted of disseminating “unreliable socially significant information” could face fines of up to 1.5 million rubles under the new legislation, according to reports.
The laws also penalize distributing information that “exhibits blatant disrespect for the society, government, official government symbols, constitution or governmental bodies of Russia,” and will allow prosecutors to refer any complaints about online media to the state communications agency.
