Posted on 02/02/2005 8:47:15 AM PST by Destro
Putin Opposes Media Restrictions in Anti-Terror Bill
Created: 02.02.2005 12:44 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 12:47 MSK, 6 hours 41 minutes ago
MosNews
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a statement to the State Duma, or lower house of parliament, attacking part of an anti-terror bill that would restrict media coverage of terrorist attacks and calling it unconstitutional.
With the State Duma set to vote on the anti-terror bill in a second reading out of three in February, Putin indicated to Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov two weeks ago that a part of the bill restricting journalists’ access to military operations during terrorist attacks and banning the broadcast of violent images violated Russia’s law on the media, the Vedomosti business daily reported on Wednesday.
According to the secretary of the Journalists’ Union, Mikhail Fedotov, the bill would even make taking notes during an attack illegal.
In his letter to Gryzlov, Putin suggested the Duma make amendments instead to the law on the media.
The bill was proposed by the Putin-backed United Russia party, and Putin’s suggestions to take out entirely the part dealing with the media is expected to be followed through.
Wait a sec., I thought Putin was the guy trying to bring back the Soviet Union.
Yes, now that Putin controls a huge swath of the media and virtual all TV
No he doesn't - most Russian media is in private hands.
PUTIN? on the side of freedom.
Hey look! Flying Pigs!
The man continues to perplex and surprise. This bolsters Destro's persistent arguments in his favor.At least Putin is never a boring figure on the world's stage.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.