Moscow, 25 November 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin today vetoed a controversial bill that would have placed much tighter control on the media's ability to report on crisis situations. The amendments to the media law would have made it illegal to broadcast or print information that could serve as propaganda for or justify the actions of extremists. People engaged in combating terrorist or extremist activities similarly would be barred from speaking with the press and the media would not be able to mention any names of special forces or crisis units without first obtaining permission.
Russia's parliament quickly passed the new legislation after last month's hostage crisis in Moscow.
Putin said he sent the bill back to the Federation Council and State Duma, the upper and lower houses of parliament respectively, and asked the leaders of the two chambers to work on the phrasing of the document.
Russia's parliament quickly passed the new legislation after last month's hostage crisis in Moscow.
Putin said he sent the bill back to the Federation Council and State Duma, the upper and lower houses of parliament respectively, and asked the leaders of the two chambers to work on the phrasing of the document.