RUSSIA: Laws ban ‘disrespect’ of govt, ‘fake news’
Russia’s parliament has passed two bills outlawing “disrespect” of authorities and the spreading of what the government deems to be “fake news”. The first ban refers to “blatant disrespect” of the state, its officials and Russian society, and repeat offenders face up to 15 days in jail. The second prohibits sharing “false information of public […]
President of Russia, Vladimir Putin
Russia’s parliament has passed two bills outlawing “disrespect” of authorities and the spreading of what the government deems to be “fake news”.
The first ban refers to “blatant disrespect” of the state, its officials and Russian society, and repeat offenders face up to 15 days in jail.
The second prohibits sharing “false information of public interest, shared under the guise of fake news. Both new crimes carry heavy fines.
President Vladimir Putin is expected to sign the bills into law once approved by Russia’s the Federation Council.
Journalists, human rights group and even government ministers have opposed the bills.