La “libertà” di stampa di Putin si addentra ancora di più nel declino autoritario

Putin claims that Russia has media freedom. However, Russia is one of the world’s worst countries for that. What are the facts? How does Russia restrict information sharing, and what punishments are journalists and civilians facing?

“The media in Russia is free,” Putin [said](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-accuses-west-persecuting-russian-journalists-2024-09-02/) on Monday, August 2nd, 2024, during his visit to Mongolia. “The only requirement for [media outlets] is compliance with Russian legislation.” He also [claimed ](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-accuses-west-persecuting-russian-journalists-2024-09-02/)that the West is openly persecuting Russian journalists.

These statements come just days after Russia [banned](https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/28/media/russia-bans-american-journalists-wsj-nyt-washington-post/index.html) more than 92 American citizens from entering Russia, including journalists from The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and New York Times.

Press and media freedom is plummeting in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. More restrictive laws have been put in place, and journalists are being increasingly persecuted.

In contrast to Putin’s recent statement, Russia is ranked as one of the world’s worst countries for press freedom. Russia is ranked 162 out of 180 countries globally, according to [Reporters Without Borders](https://rsf.org/en/country/russia) (RSF). 

Almost all international independent media have been banned, blocked, and/or declared as “foreign agents” or “undesirable organizations.” Journalists are being charged with espionage, treason, extortion, spreading fake news about the Russian Army, and more, leading to lengthy prison terms. 

[Freedom House](https://freedomhouse.org/country/russia) ranks Russia with 13 points out of 100 and lists the country as “not free.” Russia has 21 points out of 100 for “internet freedom.” 1 of 100 within the “nations in transit” ranking, putting Russia at a consolidated authoritarian regime status. 100 points within these rankings is the highest level of freedom, with one being the lowest.

On May 3rd 2024, World Press Freedom Day, the US Embassy and Consulates in Russia [stated ](https://ru.usembassy.gov/world-press-freedom-day-may-3-2024/)that it was a particularly “somber day in Russia, where freedom of the press is under constant assault.” They condemned Russian authorities’ for their continued “attempts to silence, intimidate, and punish journalists, and to sever their connection with civil society.”

Currently, there are 34 journalists and six media workers detained in Russian prisons. Twelve of them are serving prison sentences ranging from five-and-a-half to 22 years in prison, [according ](https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/05/russia-un-human-rights-chief-troubled-increasing-crackdown-journalists)to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

[OVD Info](https://repression.info/ru/occupations/journalists) states that 58 Russian journalists have criminal proceedings against them. They are either currently imprisoned, wanted, or due to appear in court.