The state Department claims that Russia suppresses freedom of the press
WASHINGTON, July 7. /TASS/ — According to the head of the press service of the Ministry Heather Nauert, USA call again on the Russian government to fulfill its obligations in accordance with the Helsinki final act.
The head a press-services of the Department of state Heather Nauert claims that in Russia “suppressed freedom of the press.”
The Russian government continues to suppress freedom of the press and independence of mass media. We condemn the fact that Russia, in implementing the law on “foreign agents”, was the address chosen as the targets of “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty” [RFE/RL] and “Voice of America”.Heather Newartriotgirl press service of the Ministry
According to Nauert, “the state Duma on 3 July took another step towards the adoption of the amendments to the act which broadened the concept of “foreign agent” on the individuals involved in the preparation of materials for mass media”.
“This will allow the Russian government to target independent journalists and bloggers in retaliation for their work”, — says the head of the press service.
“The United States calls again upon the government of Russia to fulfill its obligations in accordance with the Helsinki final act and the International Covenant on civil and political rights, with respect to the implementation of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression,” said Nauert.
At the end of 2017 in Russia was adopted the law on mass media acting as foreign agents. It allows you to recognize the media by noagenda if it receives funding from abroad.
To the development and Supplement of this law, the state Duma, on 12 January 2018 and adopted in the first reading the bill which obliges the mass media acting as foreign agents to work in Russia to establish a Russian legal entity, and allows to recognize the media-noagenda individual. It was a response to the request of the US Department of justice, to RT America — the American branch of the Russian broadcaster to register as inherent in the United States.
On Tuesday the state Duma Committee on information policy, information technologies and communications recommended the state Duma to adopt in the second reading of the bill. As noted at the meeting, the Chairman of the Committee in the finalization of the initiative for the second reading was formed “10 amendments, each of which is recommended for adoption”.