FREEDOM OF PRESS

Eric Garman

THE CONFLICT
People in Russia felt the idea of freedom of speech for the first time
when democracy came about, but things were not as pleasant as
they seemed. Freedom was under full control by the government
and there was no freedom for press. When it came to anything
negative about Russia's government, you could be sure that it
would not be broadcasted.

PUTIN
When Putin came to power in 2012 the
government took a strong hold on the
freedom of media. The Russian government
took full control of everything from the
internet to the television. The restraints it
had included news about terrorism, troubles
in the economy, and protests against the
government. Putin took a hold of these
aspects and would not allow for betrayal.

WHY?
Russian leaders claim that this restriction is a benefit to the Russian
people. They claim that this will result in a patriotic class of people
and they believe that blocking things on the internet will be better
for the people. In late 2012 putin passed 2 laws which banned
rallies and permitted internet blocking. After this, 4,640 sites were
blocked.