Moscow authorities announced new restrictions on Wednesday prohibiting the publication of photos and videos showing the aftermath of drone attacks or other acts deemed "terrorist" without prior approval from Russian authorities.
The measure was announced by Mayor Sergei Sobyanin's office through a decree published on the municipality's official website. The text, attributed to the city's "Anti-Terrorism Commission," states that the decision aims to prevent "the dissemination of unreliable information."
The restrictions apply to the media, private individuals, and emergency services. From now on, no images or videos showing the aftermath of drone strikes, explosions, or damage to infrastructure can be disseminated before an official announcement from the Russian Ministry of Defense or the municipal government.
The document specifies that this ban also covers attacks using drones or "other means of destruction" that could threaten the lives of citizens or damage critical infrastructure.
Russian authorities indicate, however, that advertisements intended to maintain public order or ensure the immediate safety of the population will remain permitted. Violators face fines of up to several hundred dollars for individuals, and even more for government officials or businesses.
For several months, Russia has faced a surge in drone attacks attributed to Ukraine, including in regions far from the front lines. Other Russian regions had already adopted similar measures before Moscow, a sign of the government's growing desire to control information related to the war's impact on Russian territory.
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