Russian Lawmakers Tighten Media Control with New Laws

The Russian Duma convened on March 4th to pass a law limiting independent media outlets. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Russian government has placed restrictions on foreign media outlets. On March 4th, Russian lawmakers passed a law that will punish any outlet that publishes information about the invasion of Ukraine that is deemed false. Officials claim that these restrictions are in response to Western enemies spreading false information in an attempt to weaken the Russian people’s morale. 

The bill details consequences for anyone who “distorts the purpose, role and tasks of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as other formations during special military and other operations.” Publication of military casualties is also prohibited. Any publication of false material could result in up to a 5 million ruble fine and up to 15 years in prison. 

This piece of legislation is the latest move from the Russian government in an attempt to take control over the war narrative within the country. On March 4th, Russia announced that it will block access to Facebook within the country. They claim that the company has violated federal law by its restriction of state-affiliated media outlets. Facebook has already denied Russia’s order for Facebook to stop fact-checking content posted by Russian state outlets.

Western media outlets have responded to this crackdown by removing themselves. BBC announced that they would end reporting in Russia if Russia were to go through with their restrictive media bill. Within Russia, independent media outlets Echo of Moscow and TV Rain have halted work. 

Anti-war protests around Russia have shown that not all citizens are in support of the Ukrainian invasion. However, quick government crackdowns on the protests have shown that the government is adamant about expelling these beliefs from the country. As a result, Russian citizens will be mostly cut off from foreign media sources.