Vladimir Putin has approved new amendments that restrict the media’s ability to cover presidential elections.
Under the changes, among other things, only journalists officially employed at registered media outlets are allowed to attend election commission meetings; the right to take photos and videos at polling stations is reserved for “those who have the right according to Russian law”; and candidates are barred from posting campaign materials on “blocked resources,” a list that includes Facebook and Instagram as well as media outlets such as Meduza.
The amendments also restrict the work of journalists at polling stations on military bases and in areas under martial law.
Russia’s next presidential elections are scheduled for March 2024.
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