Russian lawmakers make it harder for journalists to report from polling stations during elections

Russian lawmakers have approved an amendment that requires journalists to get special accreditation to report from polling stations during elections and referendums. In order to get such accreditation, journalists have to have been employed at a media outlet for at least two months.

According to the amendment's author (a Duma deputy from Russia's ruling political party, United Russia), the legislation is meant to prevent meddling in Russia's voting process by individuals who “aren't really journalists.”