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Russian parliamentarians plenary session of the Duma, the parliament of Russia. Fotobank.wikimedia.orgER
A bill raises concerns in Russia among human rights organizations. Adopted at second reading by the Duma, the lower house of Parliament, it plans to fight against the dissemination of false information. Individuals or the condemned media could be sentenced to one year in prison.
With our correspondent in Moscow, Daniel Vallot
In Russia, the law on the dissemination of false information will have to pass several more stages before being adopted and promulgated by President Vladimir Putin. As it stands, it is already causing concern among human rights NGOs.
According to the draft adopted on September 18 at second reading by the Russian deputies, the dissemination of false information would not be liable to prosecution contrary to the refusal to deny or remove it. Justice could then impose a fine of several hundred euros or decide a sentence of one year in prison.
The NGO Agora believes that this new legislation, if passed, will constitute " a new offensive against freedom of expression in Russia ". Russian law against extremism is already allowing the authorities to sue internet users for sharing content on social networks. According to the NGO, more and more Internet users are condemned in Russia, which restricts every day more freedom of expression on the net.