US 'deeply troubled' by Russian media closures

The US is deeply troubled by the "rapidly shrinking space for independent and free media in Russia," said Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf Friday."The recent closure of RIA Novosti, the changes in leadership that went to RU and other outlets, and the decision to block a number of independent websites and blogs are unfortunately just the most recent examples of this harmful trend," she affirmed.In addition, Harf noted, "the Russian government has passed laws imposing unprecedented censorship and restrictions on media and online publications." She added, "these developments effectively stifle the expression of alternative views, restrict the space for independent discussion, and facilitate the spreading of government controlled narratives that are patently false. "These are rights Russia has enshrined in its own Constitution and committed to itself to protect as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and as a signatory to the UN Declaration," Harf stressed.