As PM Modi says it's becoming a trend to question govt, Russia passes law to jail those who do
The new law has received massive backlash as Alexander Verkhovsky, the head of the Moscow-based Sova Centre, said people can face prosecution for making jokes about the Russian parliament or for disrespectful comments like "Putin is a bastard".
The Russian parliament passed a controversial law on Wednesday that can fine and even jail people for online posts disrespecting the country, society and government or state officials including President Vladimir Putin.
While online users can be fined up to 1,00,000 rubbles (Rs 1,06,315), repeat offenders can be fined twice as much.
The new law has received massive backlash as Alexander Verkhovsky, the head of the Moscow-based Sova Centre, said people can face prosecution for making jokes about the Russian parliament or for disrespectful comments like "Putin is a bastard".
Several others expressed their concern at the ambiguous wording of the law as any online criticism of the officials can be deemed a disrespectful.
Russian officials will also be able to fine or block online media outlets for publishing news they deem "fake", under a law approved by lawmakers.
Rights groups say the move amounts to 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.
Fines can reach 1.5 million rubles (over USD 22,700) if the infraction leads to grave consequences like death or rioting.
Critics say the bill is vaguely worded and would have large scope for abuse, further complicating the difficult and sometimes deadly work of opposition journalists in Russia.
"Even more censorship!" Reporters Without Borders media rights organisation wrote on its Russian-language Twitter.
"Authorities will now block websites and (social media) accounts without trial," wrote opposition politician Vladimir Ryzhkov.
In another controversial bill, the Duma backed punishment for "offending state symbols".
This would allow the media watchdog to block content that "expresses overt disrespect" to Russian authorities.
Both measures are likely to pass their third reading later this week before being sent to the senate and signed off by President Vladimir Putin.