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14Feb17

Kremlin mulls new mechanisms to shield president from unjust media attacks

The Kremlin believes it is possible to come up with new mechanisms to protect the Russian president's honor and dignity, including from personal insults in the media.

"Certainly, both (Russian) President (Vladimir Putin) and his administration believe that any materials that contain personal insults are totally unacceptable," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday. "Of course, in this case some legal mechanisms to safeguard honor and dignity do exist, and (some new mechanisms) are worth considering."

"It is an obvious fact that such unbridled and rather hysterical anti-Putin campaigns are seen abroad from time to time," he added.

When asked whether the Kremlin feels the head of state is being attacked by the media, Peskov noted that the answer will depend on "what should be considered an attack." "The president has constructive attitude towards critical media reports about him, particularly balanced and intelligent critical remarks," he noted.

Commenting on the proposal to pass a law on protecting the Russian president's honor and dignity, the Kremlin spokesman said that Russian legislation does provide for a specific set of measures to protect any citizen on this matter, including the president. "As for the personification of the president's job title, this issue requires serious effort. To begin with, perhaps, lawyers should study (this initiative). It is also necessary to study international experience," Peskov emphasized. "So, of course, one should neither reject, nor formulate some position offhand."

[Source: Itar Tass, Moscow, 14Feb17]
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