Putin vetoes media clampdown

Russian President Vladimir Putin today vetoed a parliamentary move that would have sharply reduced media ability to report on counter-terrorism operations and rebel activities.

Law amendments would have prohibited news organisations from reporting any information seen as hindering anti-terrorist operations, including description of tactics.

It also would have banned the broadcast or publication of rebel statements and any propaganda perceived as justifying extremist activity.

During a meeting with senior Russian media leaders, Putin said he asked leaders of both houses of parliament to form a conciliation commission to work on the text of the amendments, which had easily passed both chambers.

“It’s important to find a balance between restrictions and providing full information to society,” Putin was quoted as saying.

Major Russian media had vigorously protested at the measures, which were passed in the wake of the hostage-taking by Chechen rebels in a Moscow theatre last month.

Thirty organisations, including Russia’s two main state-controlled television channels and their independent rivals, signed a letter last week urging the president to reject the measure.

Many journalists said the restrictions could be used to shut down any news organisation that irks authorities. They also complained that the restrictions could be used to further restrict coverage of the war in Chechnya – which Russian officials routinely refer to as a ”counter-terrorist operation.”