Italy's TV RAI suspends reporting from Russia
Italy's public television channel suspends reporting from Russia after Moscow passes legislation imposing jail terms and fines on the publishing of "false information".
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RAI's announcement followed German broadcasters ARD and ZDF to stop reporting from Russia.
Italy's public television channel RAI decided to suspend reporting from Russia after legislation was enacted in Moscow, backing the imposition of jail terms on media publishing "false information" about the military.
RAI TV is the latest broadcaster to stop reporting from within Russia, following German channels ZDF and ARD's decision to do the same on Saturday.
BBC, Bloomberg, CNN, and CBC also announced similar decisions on Friday.
RAI said information would be provided "for the time being" from journalists in neighboring countries and from its newsroom in Italy.
Russian lawmakers had backed legislation yesterday that would impose jail time and fines for the publishing of "fake news" related to Russia's special operation in Ukraine.
A statement released by the State Duma's lower house said that the publishing of fake news stories may lead to "serious consequences" with jail time "of up to 15 years." People calling for sanctions against Russia may also be fined or jailed.
