Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Mr. Vasilyev said he shared their concern over the fact that the new Russian anti-terrorist draft law imposes restrictions on media coverage of counter-terrorism operations. Among other things, it bans the news media from spreading information revealing any specific tactics and techniques employed in an operation or the lineup and numerical strength of forces called up.
The bill also prohibits the spread of information concerning the security units involved in an anti-terrorist operation or the controlling staff, with the only exception being the command's press officers. Footage that shows violent acts of utmost cruelty is banned from being broadcast, as well.
The new bill vests the commander of an anti-terrorist operation with the authority to deny reporters access to the operation zone altogether or to confine their activity to a certain area, as well as to "establish rules for reporting about the operation."
A number of provisions concerning reporters' actions in the anti-terror operation zone may be mitigated somewhat, Mr. Vasilyev said. Thus, for instance, the provision that bans the broadcasting of violent scenes may eventually be removed.
The Duma Security Committee head pointed out, however, that lack of coordination between reporters and an anti-terrorist operation's command may result in the airing of materials fraught with negative implications for the operation's outcome.
Commenting on the widespread view that by restricting public rallies and protests, the government infringes upon the public's civil liberties, Mr. Vasilyev said these two notions should not be confused. He explained that the restrictions concerned mass-scale actions only. He said he was surprised this particular provision had stirred so much controversy.
How can mass events be allowed in a populated locality where a terror alert has been issued, the MP asked rhetorically. He acknowledged however, that this was a political issue, rather: "If people have ripened, who can ban them from holding rallies?"
