The Russian State Duma, Russia’s legislative body, has indefinitely suspended live broadcasts of plenary sessions. This is to protect information from “our enemy” – ie Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia.
The decision under Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) follows after about eight months of war. The new approach was explained on Tuesday when the House of Representatives debated issues related to the war in Ukraine.
Set to “indefinite”
“These issues, which require sensitive discussion in a close professional circle, should not belong to our enemy,” Vladimir Vasilyev, leader of the United Russia faction, told military news channel Zvezda TV. The live broadcasts will be stopped for an “indefinite period”.
He goes on to say, “These questions, which require sensitive discussion in close professional circles, should not be our enemy.” MP Andrei Swintsov said MPs would ask questions “and get quite frank answers”. Answers that are now also denied to Russian citizens.
That has to be decided live
Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin (56) said MPs should investigate the resettlement of citizens from the Russian-occupied Kherson region to Russia on the day of the decision.
MPs should also consider a bill that would allow the Defense Department to enlist those who have committed serious crimes into the military.
This would lift an existing ban on conscript criminals. However, there are reports that this ban is already being circumvented. There are murderers who regained their freedom through their deployment in Ukraine. (EU)