United Russia Deputy Sergei Zheleznyak proposed making amendments to the current legislation on media to protect journalists from custom-ordered publications, a news report said Friday.
"The [State Duma's media] committee should discuss the necessary amendments to legislation that would prevent the order of custom-made publications that are humiliating for journalists and only discredit the media," Interfax quoted Zheleznyak as saying.
His comment appeared to be aimed at Moskovsky Komsomolets, which last Friday published an article accusing certain Duma deputies and United Russia members of being ready to "go to bed" with any political party to please the Kremlin.
The publication caused a flustered reaction by the Duma, which the next day passed a resolution calling on journalists not to abuse the right to freedom of speech.
On Wednesday, the state-owned NTV channel showed a video purportedly showing someone paying a large sum of money to a Moskovsky Komsomolets employee for writing and publishing custom-ordered articles.
In the wake of that report, Duma deputies initiated an inquiry into the newspaper's finances and taxes.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
