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Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/6761156/c...ews-crackdown/
Russia introduces fines for ‘fake news’ on COVID-19 as government’s method questioned
By DARIA LITVINOVA The Associated Press
Posted April 1, 2020 10:35 am
Updated April 1, 2020 10:58 am
Two weeks ago, an opposition-leaning radio station in Russia interviewed political analyst Valery Solovei, who alleged the government was lying when it said no one had died in the country from the coronavirus.
Solovei told radio station Echo Moskvy at least 1,600 people might have died since mid-January. Russia’s media and internet watchdog, Roscomnadzor, quickly pressured the station to delete the interview from its website.
The demand was part of a widespread government campaign against what authorities called “fake news” about the pandemic.
On Tuesday, Russian lawmakers began putting some teeth behind the campaign, approving fines of up to $25,000 and prison terms of up to five years for anyone who spreads what is deemed to be false information. Media outlets will be fined up to $127,000 if they disseminate disinformation about the outbreak...
Russia introduces fines for ‘fake news’ on COVID-19 as government’s method questioned
By DARIA LITVINOVA The Associated Press
Posted April 1, 2020 10:35 am
Updated April 1, 2020 10:58 am
Two weeks ago, an opposition-leaning radio station in Russia interviewed political analyst Valery Solovei, who alleged the government was lying when it said no one had died in the country from the coronavirus.
Solovei told radio station Echo Moskvy at least 1,600 people might have died since mid-January. Russia’s media and internet watchdog, Roscomnadzor, quickly pressured the station to delete the interview from its website.
The demand was part of a widespread government campaign against what authorities called “fake news” about the pandemic.
On Tuesday, Russian lawmakers began putting some teeth behind the campaign, approving fines of up to $25,000 and prison terms of up to five years for anyone who spreads what is deemed to be false information. Media outlets will be fined up to $127,000 if they disseminate disinformation about the outbreak...