Four State Duma deputies are threatening to ban foreigners from state television if they utter discrediting remarks about the country. The proposal was made in a letter to Vladimir Pozner, ostensibly to punish the popular Channel One show host for his critical comments.
Pozner has held U.S. citizenship since he worked in New York between 1991 and 1997. He was born in France and also holds French citizenship.
The lawmakers' ire apparently stemmed from comments Pozner made in a Dec. 23 program in which he used a Russian pun to call the Duma a "silly woman" and argued that by voting for the controversial adoption ban its members were making a laughingstock of the country.
"Mr. Pozner, if you have so little respect for our country, you will have time to find work with your American or French colleagues," Interfax quoted the letter as saying.
The letter was signed by United Russia's Mikhail Starshinov, Liberal Democrat Andrei Lugovoi, Communist Oleg Denisenko and Igor Zotov, who was dismissed from A Just Russia earlier this year for his pro-Kremlin views.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
