Russia bans 'disrespecting the government'March 7, 2019 - 13:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has banned disrespecting the government with offenders facing 15 days in jail and fines of £1,000, the Daily Mail reports. The Soviet-style law targets online slander with penalties for those who "blatantly disrespect Russian society, the state, official state symbols, the Russian Constitution, and law enforcement agencies." Vladimir Putin's critics say the move is no more than blatant censorship. Russia's lower house of parliament, which is overwhelmingly dominated by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, voted in favour of the bill in the key second of three readings. The law would allow prosecutors to decide what amounts to 'fake news' and gives a media watchdog the power to demand an outlet delete the information. Websites that fail to comply would be blocked. An online post which demonstrates 'blatant disrespect for society' is punishable with fines of more than £1,000. Those who repeat offend will see their fine double and could be subject to 15 days in jail, the Guardian reported. Fines could be more than £17,000 if the infraction leads to grave consequences like death or rioting. Fake news disseminated via the internet can "lead to mass unrest" and undermine state security, the bill's authors say. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |