MOSCOW (Sputnik) — It is necessary to study closely the idea of the legal protection mechanisms aimed at defending the Russian president's dignity given the smear campaign against Vladimir Putin underway in certain countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.
"You know that the president is quite constructive about critical remarks.. Of course, the president and his administration categorically reject any materials that contain a personal insult. We believe this is unacceptable, and, of course, in this case, some legal mechanisms for the protection of honor and dignity… already exist, but here it is worth considering," Peskov told reporters.
"The fact that at times such a hysterical anti-Putin campaign is here and there manifested in various countries abroad is obvious," he said.
He added that Russian law has a set of mechanisms to defend ordinary citizens against libel but the additional mechanisms should be explored by the lawyers.
"In fact, the law provides a set of actions to protect the honor and dignity of any citizen, including the president. As for the personification of the president in this regard, it is necessary to seriously work on this issue, to explore it. Probably, the lawyers must examine it first, it is necessary to study the international experience, where and how these laws apply," Peskov said.
Last week, Peskov said Moscow would exercise patience toward Fox News host Bill O'Reilly's apology for disparaging remarks he made about Russian President Vladimir Putin he slated for 2023.
Responding to the Kremlin's demand for an apology for calling Putin a "killer", O'Reilly said "check in with me around 2023."
O'Reilly made his remark in an interview with US President Donald Trump. The US leader said in response that the United States was not that innocent, stressing that it would be better to have good relations with Russia.
