The author of a bill that sought to protect Russian children from information that "denied or distorts patriotism" has recalled his draft legislation from the State Duma, a note on the parliament's website said.
The note on the bill-tracking section of the website provided no reasons for the Monday recall of the document that United Russia Deputy Arkady Ponomaryov had submitted just five days earlier.
An unidentified spokesperson for the lawmaker said Ponomaryov had recalled the submission "for personal reasons" and might later return to his work on the bill, Russia's New Times reported Tuesday.
The bill defined "patriotism" as "love for the fatherland, devotion to it, striving to serve its interests through one's actions," and sought to add information that "denies or distorts patriotism" to a list of things from which children of all ages needed to be protected. Other items in that category include inducement to commit suicide, promotion of illegal drug use, violence and homosexual relationships.
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.
