BBC journalists leave Russia over Putin’s decision to sanction “fake news”



the english news network BBC suspended this Friday “temporarily” the work of its journalists on Russiain response to a new law implemented by Vladimir Putinwhich stipulates that anyone who has spread “false” news about the conflict in Ukraine.

The general manager of that media outlet, Tim Davisindicated that the new provision “criminalizes the process of independent journalism“. In this regard he said: “It leaves us no choice but to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists. and its support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwanted development,” he said.

Likewise, he indicated that the station’s news service in Russian will continue to function from outside Russia. “The safety of our staff is paramount and we are not prepared to expose them to the risk of criminal prosecution simply for doing their jobs. I would like to pay tribute to all of them for their courage, determination and professionalism,” Davie said.

We remain committed to making accurate and independent information available to audiences around the world., including the millions of Russians who use our news services. Our journalists in Ukraine and around the world will continue to report on the invasion of Ukraine,” he stated.

Affected Media

Thursday, TV Rain he stopped broadcasting live after being pressured by his coverage of the invasion. The channel ended its final broadcast by showing the staff leaving the set.

In this case, Russia’s telecoms regulator accused them of “inciting extremism, abusing Russian citizens, massively disrupting public tranquility and security, and encouraging protests.” The station’s editor-in-chief, Tikhon Dzyadko, he left Russia on Wednesday and said it was due to a security issue.

On the other hand, the radio station echo of moscow was taken off the air on Tuesday. On Thursday the studios closed, and on Friday the Russian agency Interfax reported that the lease on his office had been terminated and his website disabled.

“Every deviation from the official narrative about this war is now punishable by jail”Mikhail Fishman, a freelance journalist and commentator who recently left Russia, told the BBC, reported the BBC.

“Everyone I know in Russian independent journalism has already left Russia or is desperately trying to do so now,” added Fishman.

The newspaper Novaya Gazeta clarified in a tweet on Friday that it was removing material about the conflict, due to the threat of prosecution for journalists and other citizens who spread information that differed from Russian Defense Ministry press releases.

The newspaper is headed by Dmitry Muratov. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, along with Maria Ressa of the Philippines, for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression.

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BBC journalists leave Russia over Putin’s decision to sanction “fake news”