The Russian Parliament, under the strict control of the president, Vladimir Putin, approved this Friday a bill that punishes with sentences of up to 15 years in prison whoever spreads "false information" about the invasion of Ukraine, that is, information or opinions contrary to the propaganda spread by the Russian regime.
This measure extends to the civilian population the repression of the Russian authorities against the media that still have a certain degree of independence, targeting, for example, the publications of citizens on their social networks.
The bill now goes to the Upper House of Parliament, where it will also be approved for Putin's signature this Friday and can enter into force as soon as this Saturday.
As the West accuses Russia of an unwarranted invasion, Russian state media paints an entirely different picture.Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/AP
The punishments will range between three years in prison and 15 in cases in which the regime considers that there are "serious consequences".
Among the prohibited activities is, for example, advocating sanctions against Russia for the unilateral and violent invasion of Ukraine.
Less than two hours after the bill was passed, the Znak news website reported that it was closing, citing "the large number of restrictions that have recently been imposed affecting the work of the media in Russia."
[“Everything collapsed in 10 minutes”: the testimonies of Latinos who have faced the bombings in Ukraine]
Russia's main independent radio station, Ekho Moskvy, closed on Thursday, and the Dozdh television station ceased operations after receiving a closure threat from the Russian regime.
In addition, the Russian authorities announced that they will block access to the social network Facebook as punishment for preventing the publications of the state media Russia Today and Sputnik.
The integrity of the nuclear plant attacked by Russia is compromised, says international organization
March 4, 202200:38
Roskomnadzo, the Russian agency for media control, cited 26 alleged cases of "discrimination against Russian media and information resources", something prohibited by Russian law.
Facebook lamented the censorship and said it would fight back: "Millions of Russians will soon find themselves cut off from reliable information, deprived of their everyday ways of connecting with family and friends, and silenced from speaking out," said Nick Clegg, president of Meta, its parent company, for global affairs.
It is not yet known if the censorship order against Facebook includes other Meta platforms such as Instagram or WhatsApp.
With information from
NBC News
and
The Associated Press