The Russian government has blocked a number of independent news sites in Russia. The sites that have been blocked have criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Some of the sites that are blocked include those of Chess Champion, Garry Kasparov. The reason they have given is that these sites are calling “for participation in unauthorized rallies.”
Details of the Blocked Sites
The banned sites include the online newspaper Grani, Garry Kasparov’s opposition information site kasparov.ru, the livejournal of popular anti-corruption crusader Alexei Navalny, and even the web pages of Ekho Moskvy, a radio station which is majority owned by the state-run Gazprom, and whose independent editor was ousted last month and replaced with a more government-friendly director.
The list of newly prohibited sites was published earlier today by Russia’s Prosecutor General, which announced that the news sites had been “entered into the single register of banned information” after “calls for participation in unauthorized rallies.” Navalny’s livejournal was apparently added to the register in response to the conditions of his current house arrest, which include a personal prohibition on accessing the Internet.
Implications and Reactions
The blocking of these sites has significant implications for freedom of speech and the press in Russia. By targeting independent news outlets and opposition figures, the Russian government is effectively silencing dissent and controlling the narrative within the country. This move has drawn criticism from various international organizations and human rights groups, who argue that it is a blatant violation of democratic principles.
For instance, Garry Kasparov, a former world chess champion and a vocal critic of Putin, has used his platform to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights in Russia. His site, kasparov.ru, provided a space for opposition voices and critical analysis of the government’s actions. Similarly, Alexei Navalny, known for his anti-corruption campaigns, has been a thorn in the side of the Kremlin. His livejournal was a popular source of information on government corruption and political activism.
Ekho Moskvy, despite being majority-owned by the state-run Gazprom, had maintained a degree of editorial independence. The recent replacement of its independent editor with a more government-friendly director indicates a tightening grip on media freedom. This trend of replacing independent editors with pro-government figures is not new and has been a tactic used by the Kremlin to ensure media compliance.
The Russian government’s justification for these blocks, citing “calls for participation in unauthorized rallies,” is seen by many as a pretext to stifle opposition. Unauthorized rallies have been a common form of protest in Russia, where obtaining permits for demonstrations is often difficult. By labeling these calls as illegal, the government can suppress mobilization efforts and prevent large-scale protests.
You can find out more details about which sites have been blocked in Russia over at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Source Techmeme
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
