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RIA Novosti
Deputies from the LDPR faction in the Duma introduced a bill establishing greater administrative responsibility and a fine in the amount of 25 thousand to 30 thousand rubles for officials who impede the provision of information to the media. The document was published on Monday, February 13, on the website of the lower house of the Russian Parliament.
The authors believe that in case of failure or untimely or incomplete provision of data media, a significant number of citizens “can receive less relevant, socially valuable information”.
The explanatory Memorandum States that the reason for refusal in granting information to journalists may be only the content in the requested state, commercial or other specially protected by law secrets.
“The delay for data provision may not exceed seven days, and the notice of refusal or delay the provision of information should be presented to the media representative not later than three days after receipt of the request”, — the document says.
Members noted that in practice there are cases of refusal to provide data without any justification or delay the timing, “significantly exceeding 30 days, or under the guise of information is “evasion””.
In the present article 5.39 of the administrative code establishes General liability for failure to provide requested information to the officials in the form of a fine ranging from one to three thousand rubles.