Russia Outlaws "Fake News" and Criminalizes Anyone Who Insults the State

[quote]Moscow -- Russian lawmakers have passed legislation that imposes restrictions on online media, officially banning "fake news," and criminalizes anyone who insults the state. The bills passed on Thursday introduce fines for publishing materials showing disrespect to the state, its symbols and government organs.

Repeat offenders of the proposed law against insulting state institutions could face a 15-day jail sentence.

The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, approved the bill in the final, third reading. It also endorsed a separate bill that will block anyone publishing "fake news" online, that is perceived to threaten public health and security.

The bills were expected to quickly pass the upper house before President Vladimir Putin signs them into law.[/quote]

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-vladimir-putin-russia-law-ban-fake-news-insulting-state-institutions-duma/

kayle · 70-79, M

It's sad that the 1990s post-USSR Russia that was becoming a western like democracy under Yeltsin has returned to the old authoritarian communistic cold-war ways under Putin. 😕

SatanBurger · 36-40, F

That is a human rights violation but I'm not surprised, I think that Putin has been losing control of Russia for awhile. I refuse to think that all Russians support him, I think that most are hired to support while the other half have to remain silent for fear of getting punished.

I think this move by Putin was a show of desperation rather than strength, something made him do it. In the end censoring people is going to do one of two things. It will strengthen his hold on Russia through a show of force or it will create a resistance movement, I'm hoping for the latter.

SatyrService · M

for those gripping hard on power all news that is not
in support of them is Fake News
get aload of RT [b]R[/b]ussia [b]T[/b]oday news casts