Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved changes to the law on presidential elections, imposing new restrictions on media reporting, local news agencies reported on Tuesday.
The changes come ahead of elections due to be held in March, in which Putin – who has ruled Russia for 24 years – is expected to run for a new six-year term.
Putin, 71, has not yet stated whether he will run for office. He says he will only announce this after the Russian parliament has formally set the date for the elections.
Under the approved changes, only journalists hired by registered media outlets will be able to cover the Election Commission meetings, possibly excluding ‘freelancers’ and independent journalists.
The changes also include a ban on reporting on the commission’s actions on military bases or in areas under martial law without prior approval from regional and military authorities.
In addition, the changes prohibit campaign activities on “blocked sources”, such as Internet portals or social networks.
Amid an intensifying crackdown on the opposition and information flow, Russia has banned a number of internet portals and services, including Facebook and Instagram, although many people are using VPNs to bypass the blockade.
Source: DN
