Russia: Putin Signs New Media Law – Use of “War” and “Invasion” Prohibited

The President of Russia Vladimir Putin signed tonight a bill that would impose heavy prison sentences on anyone who publishes “false information” about the military, in the midst of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This text, adopted earlier by parliamentprovides for prison sentences for anyone seeking to impose sanctions on Russia, according to Reuters.

The penalties provided for can reach up to 15 years for anyone who now spreads “false information” which has “serious consequences” for the Russian armed forces.

The law also targets them ordinary citizens and not only them journalists or other information professionals.

Regarding the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian authorities have banned the media from using information other than official announcements. It is also forbidden to use words like “war” and “invasion“, Reports APE BPE, citing the international news agency.

Earlier, due to this new legislation, BBC decides to “roll down” in Russia, in order not to face persecution of journalists “because they do their job”as characteristically stated by the management of the Media.

“Self-criticism”

It also became known on Friday how the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, whose director Dietri Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last yearwithdraws its issues related to the military operations of the Russian army in Ukraine due to the censorship regime.

The newspaper announced that it will continue to write about concequenses facing Russia, including the deepening economic crisis, and the persecution of dissidents.

«The law imposing sanctions on “fake news” on the activities of the Russian armed forces came into force (…) we are obliged to remove much of the content. But we decided to keep working“, The Russian newspaper states in its announcement.