US accuses Russian govt of restricting freedom of expression - State Dept
Washington, Mar 13 (Sputnik) The United Sates believes Russia is restricting freedom of expression, the State Department said on Wednesday in its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2018.
"While the constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, the government increasingly restricted this right," the report said.
The State Department accused Russian authorities of exercising editorial control over media, particularly on the most sensitive issues, including the situations in Ukraine and Syria, elections and critics of local and federal leadership.
"Regional and local authorities used procedural violations and restrictive or vague legislation to detain, harass, or prosecute persons who criticized the government or institutions it favored, such as the Russian Orthodox Church," the report said.
The State Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices details the status of human rights in nearly 200 countries and territories.
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