Moscow: In the midst of the war in Ukraine, there is news that many Russian media websites are down. That is, they are not working. This includes Facebook as well. It is being said that this is an attempt to rein in the tongue of those who raised their voice against the war. According to reports, AFP journalists in Moscow are unable to open their Facebook accounts. Apart from this, BBC’s Russian-language news websites are also not opening.
On its Telegram account, independent outlet Meduza said that its site is no longer available to some of its users in Russia. Also said that no information has been received from the authorities about blocking him. Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last week, Russian officials have increased pressure against free media, although press freedom in the country was already rapidly declining.
Earlier this week, Russia’s Prosecutor General ordered a ban on the Eko Moskvi radio station and the independent Dozhdad TV channel. This was done because he denied the official line on the war in Ukraine. According to Russia, the action in neighboring Ukraine is a military operation, not an invasion. This has been done to protect Russia from “genocide” from the West and Russian speakers.
Dozens of media personnel and outlets – including Dozhd – have recently been described by officials as foreign agents. It is being said that the Russian government has made up its mind to take action against fake news. Under this, a jail term of up to 15 years is being considered.
