The Russian regime, attacking Ukraine, also took care to silence its citizens who are against aggression. Anti-war protests in Russian cities have been brutally suppressed, and Russian police have arrested for expressing views.
Draconian punishments for telling the truth in Russia
Russia is fighting freedom of speech. On Friday, Vladimir Putin signed a law under which spreading “false information” about the war is punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment and heavy fines. It goes, among others about talking about Russian aggression in Ukraine or using the word “war”. Kremlin propaganda allows only phrases such as “military operation” to be used.
The new law in Russia is of course intended to silence the independent media informing Russian citizens about the situation in Ukraine. For this reason, many media had to suspend their activities – incl. BBC. The services also hunt their citizens who dare to express their opinion about the war on the Internet or in private messages.
Russian police detain citizens and ask to show the phone
How, Moscow police detain people (even during anti-war protests) and force them to show the contents of their phones. If they don’t unlock their devices, they won’t be let through the officers. Pursuant to Russian law, since 2018 the police can view the contents of phones, tablets or computers detained without a warrant, although many say it is illegal.
The first videos of police officers browsing the content of detainees’ smartphones have appeared on the Internet. According to Kevin Rothrock (journalist of the independent Meduza service), the author of one of the recordings made in Moscow, the police were browsing private correspondence in messengers and a photo gallery.
The police – if they find anti-war content or criticism of the Kremlin authorities on their phone – can detain a citizen for spreading “false information”. And that could end up in prison for many years.
The Kremlin is also fighting against social media, which may make it easier for Russians to provide “uncensored” information. The leading social media platforms, mainly Facebook and Twitter, have not been operating in Russia for several days. TikTok has also almost completely suspended its operations in Russia.
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The Russian war against Ukraine continues. There is information about houses destroyed, wounded and killed. Needs are increasing hour by hour. That is why Gazeta.pl joins forces with the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) Foundation to support humanitarian aid for Ukrainians and Ukrainians. Anyone can join the fundraiser by paying via Facebook or pcpm.org.pl/ukraina. More information in the article:
Source: Gazeta
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
