On Friday, the Russian media regulator notably ordered the blocking of Facebook, accusing the social network of “discriminating” against Russian media such as the Defense Ministry television Zvezda or the Ria Novosti news agency.
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“There is really a vice that is tightening on the freedom of expression of the media“, explained this Saturday on franceinfo Cécile Coudriou, president of Amnesty International France, while the Russian media regulator, Roskomnadzor, ordered the blocking of Facebook in the country on Friday. He accuses Facebook of discrimination after the restrictions carried out on accounts of Russian media.Added to this is a new law against independent media.
francinfo: Does Vladimir Putin want to isolate the Russians?
Cecile Coudriou: Exactly. It’s just one more twist. Being a journalist in Russia has long been a high-risk job that you can pay with your life. Today, it is also the social networks that Vladimir Putin is attacking because he knows very well that this war in Ukraine is coupled with an information war. He knows full well that the propaganda he wants to spread in Russia is countered by other sources of information. I would also like to pay tribute to independent media, such as Novaïa Gazeta or the Meduza site, which seek to resist.
What do you think of this new law against independent media?
There is really a vice that is tightening on civil society as a whole, the freedom of expression of the media, of associations. Everything agrees to limit all dissidence and criticism. Russia is imitating China because this new law which has just been passed to make all criticism akin to what is called fake news. When you give real news you are accused of fake news and it can lead you to 15 years in prison. This is a strong and worrying message.
What are the consequences ?
Vladimir Putin knows he is losing the propaganda war and the support of his people. He seems to see the glass half full despite everything. Gradually, the noose is tightening but there is strong resistance from Russian journalists. It is absolutely necessary that there is international solidarity towards independent journalists or not. It will become more and more difficult for them and they will have to work from outside the country.