flickr.com/JD Lasica/CC
Congressman from California Eric Swalwell after the adoption of the Russian law, the punishment for publication that do not like the authorities, have expressed concerns that trump is willing to learn from this experience in the United States, and stated on Twitter that this cannot be allowed: «I will do everything physically … to prevent this in America.»
I will do everything physically possible — march with my feet, shout from my lungs, and out-maneuver with my mind — to stop this from happening in America. But you better believe @realDonaldTrump will try. And I know you’re with me. Not on our watch. https://t.co/OVfKdVGQXc
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) March 18, 2019
We will remind, recently Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law about the insult of the government. The law introduces liability for a news Agency and Internet users who «demonstrate a blatant disrespect for society, government, official state symbols, Constitution or public authorities of Russia», imposing a penalty of up to 1.5 million rubles (about $ 22 000 at today’s exchange rate) for such crimes. For «fake news» about Putin personally or other members of the Russian government, the penalty can be up to 300,000 rubles ($ 4660) and 15 days in jail.
Mary Snow, from the Center for European policy analysis, told TheWashington Post that the law allows prosecutors to file complaints directly with the Russian government, thus excluding the courts from the decision-making process:
«In other words, it greatly expands the power of the repressive apparatus. This can be compared to «Stalin’s Troika», a Committee of three people to convict in the Soviet Union during Joseph Stalin, who made decisions within the framework of simplified, expeditious investigation and without a public and fair trial».
Although in the United States, similar bills have not yet considered the need to introduce punishment for publishing «fake» news, the President trump have repeatedly said. And Supreme court justice Clarence Thomas, for example, said in February that he would support such a move.
Trump, a frequent critic of negative media coverage about himself and his administration, also complained about the media during a meeting with canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in October 2018, saying: «It is frankly disgusting when the press can write whatever she wants to write».
It’s truly incredible that shows like Saturday Night Live, not funny/no talent, can spend all of their time knocking the same person (me), over & over, without so much of a mention of “the other side.” Like an advertisement without consequences. Same with Late Night Shows……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2019
This Sunday, during the hours the tweet-a-Thon, the President spoke out against «Saturday night live» and the fact that he became the target of a Comedy show. Then, in a separate tweet, trump proposed that the Federal election Commission or Federal communications Commission study shows:
….Should the Federal Election Commission and/or FCC look into this? There must be Collusion with the Democrats and, of course, Russia! Such one sided media coverage, most of it Fake News. Hard to believe I won and am winning. Approval Rating of 52%, 93% with Republicans. Sorry! #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 17, 2019
«Truly incredible that such shows as Saturday Night Live, not funny/talentless, can spend all your time knocking one and the same person (me) over and over again, without any mention of the «other side «. Advertising without consequences. Same with show late at night … Should the Federal election Commission and/or FCC to look into this? Must be a conspiracy with the Democrats and, of course, with Russia! Such one-sided coverage in the media, most of which are «False news». Hard to believe that I won the election. The approval rating of 52%, 93% with the Republicans. Sorry! #MAGA».
Although, earlier in August, trump did admit that the harm of censorship, saying that it is easier not to watch CNN & MSNBC:
…..Censorship is a very dangerous thing & absolutely impossible to police. If you are weeding out Fake News, there is nothing so Fake as CNN & MSNBC, & yet I do not ask that their sick behavior be removed. I get used to it and watch with a grain of salt, or don’t watch at all..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2018
«Censorship is a very dangerous and absolutely impossible for the police… There is nothing more false than CNN & MSNBC, and yet I do not ask that their sick behavior was eliminated. I’m used to it and look critically, or don’t watch at all.»
