Restriction of Freedom of Mass Information in Contemporary Russia: Grounds and Limits

The study is dedicated to the analysis of the grounds for the restriction of the freedom of mass media in contemporary Russia. The aim of the study is to identify the boundaries of permissible restrictions on freedom of the media. In addition to the introduction, conclusion and the list of references, the work consists of two chapters. The first chapter discusses the definition of the freedom of mass media, the features of historical development and the formation of this freedom in Russia, and also describes the importance of the mass media for the state information policy and the doctrine of the interaction between the media and the state. The second chapter gives a general description of the forms of misuse of freedom of mass media provided for by the legislation of Russia, reveals a common problem for law enforcement practice regarding restrictions on this freedom in general, and more detailed consideration in the context of countering extremism and criticism of politicians is provided. As soon as in accordance with part 4 of Article 15 of the Constitution of Russia, common principles of international law, as well as ratified international treaties, are an integral part of the Russian legal system, and in the context of human rights and freedoms they are guiding factors for the legislations of civilized states of the world, acts of the international law on the issue of freedom of mass information and its restrictions, including decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, are to be considered. Next, the main reasons for applying to the Constitutional Court of Russia and the positions developed by the Court in accordance with them are to be identified. The implementation of the constitutional prohibition of censorship in the Russian Federation is also to be considered. In conclusion, the author formulated conclusions drawn from the study.