State Duma halted controversial media law
The Russian State Duma has decided to turn down several proposed amendments to the countrys media law. The likely reason is that President Medvedev has expressed scepticism with the law.
The law challenged media freedom by toughening the penalties for libel. Duma chairman Boris Gryzlov admits that the apparently changed attitude towards the bill comes as President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed scepticism with the law amendments. The proposed amendments have been prepared by Robert Shlegel, United Russia deputy and former head of the hardline youth organisation Nashi. While the lower house of the Russian parliament approved the media bill in a first reading on 25 April, the attitude is now changed. -The media law needs serious further elaboration, Mr. Gryzlov, Newsru.com reports.
