Russia: Kremlin Intensifies Press Censorship, Criminalizes “Fake” War Coverage
Location: Russia, Moscow
Date: March 7, 2022
Photo Credit: AP Photo/The State Duma, The Federal Assembly of The Russian Federation Press Service
Muffling independent coverage of the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine, the state has passed a new law criminalizing dispension of information about the invasion that the state deems “fake” or “false”. President Valdimir Putin approved the new law after allegations on BBC News, wherein the Kremlin claimed that the British broadcasting service was “undermining Russian stability and security”. The legislation was preceded by new restrictions imposed on several local and international news outlets. The move forced some media outlets to shut operations in the country fearing for the safety of journalists on ground. The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces the increased censorship and obstructions to the free flow of information. Russian authorities must allow journalists to report freely and independently.
According to the new legislation, spreading information that the Kremlin deems “false” or contradictory to the state’s position on the war in Ukraine can be punishable with up to 15 years in prison. The law was passed unanimously on March 4, 2022, by the lower and upper houses of parliament in quick succession.
The Kremlin has increasingly attempted to quash coverage of anti-war calls within the country, decry reports of civilian deaths and Russian military setbacks in Ukraine. Moreover, the state refers to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “special military operation” and denies the use of “war” or “invasion”.
The legislation carries sentences of up to three years in prison and fines for spreading “false” news about the military and jail terms of up to 15 years for cases deemed to have led to “severe consequences”.
Several local and international media outlets have been forced to suspend or reduce operations on ground by the escalating crackdown on independent information channels and free speech.
Access to BBC websites has been restricted in Russia - here’s advice on how to access BBC News https://t.co/QgXtyjdKuM pic.twitter.com/rB3r92e5M5
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 5, 2022
1/🧵 If you are in Russia, you may not be able to access RFE/RL content. The Kremlin has imposed unprecedented censorship. Here's how to bypass it.
— Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (@RFERL) March 6, 2022
On March 3, 2022, Russia’s top independent radio station Ekho Moskvy was closed and independent TV station Dozdh (Rain) ceased operations after threats from the authorities.
The Russian authorities have also restricted access to several news outlets, including BBC News websites, Deutsche Welle (DW) and Meduza while Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s services have been limited.
BBC temporarily suspended its journalists' work in Russia and will continue its service in Russian from outside of the country. “The safety of our staff is paramount and we are not prepared to expose them to the risk of criminal prosecution simply for doing their jobs,” said BBC Director-General Tim Davie in a statement on March 6, 2022.
Meanwhile, Canada's public broadcaster CBC, Bloomberg News and CNN have suspended or reduced operations in the country. BBC News said it has temporarily suspended reporting on the ground and will instead continue its services in Russia from outside the country.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled at the Kremlin’s blatant efforts to quash independent coverage of its invasion in Ukraine. For nearly a decade, journalists in Russia have faced draconian laws like the “foreign agent” legislation, impeded internet access and systematic closures of leading independent news outlets. With all eyes on Russia and Ukraine, after the former’s military invasion into the latter’s territory last month, it is now more vital than ever that the flow of information is not distorted or disrupted. The Kremlin’s introduction of heftier fines and penalties for “fake” information is yet another transparent attempt by the Russia state to control information. It is yet another attack on free speech, press freedom and the citizens’ right to information. We call on the Russian authorities to allow journalists to work freely and independently. The CFWIJ stands in solidarity with our colleagues in Russia and lauds the brave women journalists striving to bring the truth to the world despite heightened censorship.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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