A handful of Russian news outlets have removed stories from their websites on graffiti calling President Vladimir Putin an anti-gay slur, in what one local publication called an act of censorship.
Russian laws banning “blatant disrespect” toward the authorities online entered into force last Friday. Under the legislation, outlets have 24 hours to voluntarily delete the offending material or risk being blocked, fined or even jailed for 15 days.
At least five news websites based in Yaroslavl, a city north of Moscow, reported — then promptly deleted — stories on the spray-painted phrase that translates as “Putin is a f--” on a local police building.
The stories were taken down in compliance with the controversial new law, the TJournal.com news website cited an unnamed source familiar with the situation as saying.
“We view this as an act of censorship that’s completely unfounded,” the yarcube.ru news website wrote on its Telegram messaging app channel late on Monday.
One outlet was forced to delete its article about the graffiti following a request from Roskomnadzor that cited the new law, TJournal reported, citing an email in its possession that was sent by the watchdog's official account.
Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky later confirmed that the federal communications watchdog was conducting “preventive work” under the legislation that has given his agency expanded powers.
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.
