Media law increases Kremlin powers

Media moguls like Vladimir Gusinsky have been targets

By Russian affairs analyst Stephen Dalziel

A new information law has come into effect in Russia, which critics say could threaten journalists' freedom to criticise the state.

The Doctrine on Information Security gives Russians legal rights to obtain and use certain state information.

Vladimir Putin has been accused of trying to muzzle the media

Supporters of the new law, which took six years to draw up, say it will help ensure the publication of accurate information about Russia.

But critics of President Vladimir Putin will see it is another example of alleged attempts to muzzle the media.

There does appear to be some contradiction - or, at least, room for different interpretations - in the doctrine's four main points.

• Citizens have a constitutional right to secure and use information.

• The government is obliged to explain the basis for its policies.

• The state will develop information technology and mass media, computer techniques and telecommunications.

• Information sources will be protected from illegal access.

These points are vague enough to cause concern to groups dealing with the question of press freedom.

For example, could a journalist using the internet to criticise state policy risk being accused of misuse of modern means of communication to give a false impression of the state's aims?

Mr Putin has already shown that he is prepared to take on Russia's so-called oligarchs, who control much of the country's media.

But observers are still divided as to whether the driving force behind this is the desire to show the oligarchs that their wings are being clipped, or whether the president is determined to exercise more control over the media.

This doctrine suggests that these two aims may not be mutually exclusive.