Russian media crackdown worries journalists

Media clampdown
Russian President Vladimir Putin's Kremlin has slowly taken control over all the major networks in Russia. As a result, coverage of the war in Chechnya, as well as criticism of the government's policies, has all but disappeared.

Putin, who usually displays a cool, calm demeanor, has lost his temper several times at journalists over questions about Chechnya.

Foreign journalists whose coverage of the war has not been to the government's liking have often had their visas to Russia denied, with no explanation given.

Panfilov's center has collected a list of over 30 foreign journalists who have been banned from Russia, all of who criticized the government's policies in Chechnya.

"If the Russian government took this action with a foreign company, it means that other measures are being prepared for Russian journalists. They are already being implemented anyway," said Panfilov.

"Since 2000, journalists here [have been] informed that they simply must support the decisions of the president and government," Panfilov explained, referring to the start of Putin's first term. "Practically nothing is written about what is happening in Chechnya and it obviously angers the Kremlin when ABC or other foreign TV companies show what is happening there."

Russians don’t want to ‘look in the mirror’
"The Russian authorities don't want to look in the mirror," added Panfilov. "You can't even talk about freedom of the press anymore."

The interview was conducted by Russian journalist Andrei Babitsky, on leave from his job at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Babitsky is based in Prague, Czech Republic.

Both foreign and Russian journalists officially must have a government escort when working in Chechnya, though the government has not enforced this rule. The Foreign Ministry accused Babitsky of breaking the law, but it is unclear what charges he would face if he reenters the country.

"Of course the Russian authorities are angry that Babitsky filmed an interview with Shamil Basayev on the territory of Chechnya when at the same time the President and the army is saying that there is only order, peace and democracy there," said Panfilov. "Good thing Babitsky has a green card."

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