Russia: This tweet from a French journalist sums up the difficulty of reporting there

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Russia: This tweet from a French journalist on the ground sums up the difficulty of working there...

Evgeniya Novozhenina via ReutersRussia: This tweet from a French journalist on the ground summarizes the difficulty of working there (Photo by anti-war protesters in Ukraine February 27, 2022 in Moscow, REUTERS/Evgeniya Novozhenina)

“The state of siege in the center of Moscow, as during the demonstrations of N….. [Navalny, NDLR]. Red Square closed in anticipation of an event that cannot be qualified publicly, against an event that cannot be qualified and which takes place in the “near abroad”. You may have to try twice reading this, but these words indicate the absurdity of the situation.

In Moscow, on the famous Red Square, an anti-war demonstration was held this Sunday to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Except that from Friday the words “war” and “invasion” are banned in the media.

Up to 15 years in prison for “false information”

President Vladimir Putin signed into law on Friday, March 4, a law providing for harsh prison terms for anyone who publishes “false information” about the army in a full invasion of Ukraine. The amendments, passed shortly before by MEPs, also provide for penalties for “calling for sanctions against Russia” which is facing tough Western retaliation.

The penalties incurred, which can be as high as 15 years in prison, will be applied to those who spread “false information” leading to “serious consequences” for the Russian armed forces.

In this context, Russian and foreign media have announced that they are reviewing or suspending their activities, although some of them have been forced to go on the air or go into hiding to avoid possible sanctions from Moscow.

The texts in question refer to the general population, not just information professionals. They are aimed at strengthening the repressive arsenal of the authorities, which are tightening control over information, blocking social networks and independent media. Regarding the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian authorities have banned the media from using information other than that which comes from official statements on the issue.

Thus, it is difficult to cover the anti-war demonstrations taking place in the cities of Russia, and even just talk about them, when, in the opinion of the regime, there should be no war, much less citizens ready to take to the streets. to condemn it.

At least 10,000 protesters arrested since February 24

And yet the demonstrators are present, despite intimidation, paying with repression.

At least 2,500 people opposed to the military intervention in Ukraine were arrested on Sunday, March 6 alone, in about fifty Russian cities, said OVD-Info, a public organization that specializes in monitoring demonstrations. About 11,000 demonstrators have been arrested in the country since February 24, the start of hostilities, according to this source.

The human rights organization Memorial reported that one of its leaders, Oleg Orlov, was arrested on Manezhnaya Square, near the Kremlin. One of the central squares of St. Petersburg (northern) was cordoned off by the police, who carried out the arrests.

At least 560 people were detained in Moscow on Sunday, OVD-Info reported in the middle of the day, including Oleg Orlov, one of the leaders of the Memorial NGO, and well-known activist Svetlana Gannushkina.

According to OVD-Info, at least 279 people were also detained in St. Petersburg (north), where one of the central squares was cordoned off by the police.

On Sunday, several activists and non-governmental organizations posted videos on social media showing brutal arrests using batons.

Read also on The HuffPost: War in Ukraine: British journalists fired upon