BBC News has asked its journalists to cease all Russian work after Friday’s government passed a censorship legislation. It was designed to protect independent reporters working for state media. “false news.”
BBC replied Friday that its journalists based within the Russian Federation would be able to respond. “temporarily suspend” their work for their own safety — but that the network would continue to operate from outside of Russia.
“This legislation appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism. It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development,”In a statement, Tim Davie, director general of BBC, said. “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’d like to pay tribute to all of them, for their bravery, determination and professionalism.”
“We remain committed to making accurate, 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,”Davie added.
Earlier on Friday, Russia’s parliament Unanimously passed a law banning fake news — or news that they don’t agree with and not approved by Moscow — with a punishment of up to 15 years in prison. The law targets specific information on the distribution of “false news”Information about military operations in Ukraine
Some of Russia’s last independent media outlets have been forced to close down by the draconian censorship legislation. Ekho Moskvy and Dozhd are two examples. Other sites have also been blocked or have had their access impeded to social media networks.
Record: An earlier version of this story misrepresented that the BBC was physically removing Russian journalists.