Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the United States had perpetrated “genocide” against Russian journalists working in the country. According to her, the American authorities indulge in “imaginary hospitality” vis-à-vis the correspondents of the Russian media.
Currently, journalists from the Russian Federation only receive visas for Go. In addition, they have to apply to US consular offices in third countries, and the procedure for issuing visas is often delayed. And correspondents whose visas have expired cannot return home.
In addition, Zakharova said sanctions imposed by US authorities against Russian media have caused problems with paying utility bills. A ban was also introduced on the supply of equipment and software to Russian media, the blocking of bank accounts and a ban on transferring funds.
She previously accused White House spokesman John Kirby of lying about not issuing US visas to Russian journalists who traveled with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to a UN Security Council (SC) meeting.
And the White House’s strategic communications coordinator, John Kirby, justified the non-issuance of visas to journalists by saying that Russian state media are “propaganda organs”, and that the American side considers it is important to maintain the independence of the press, which “should be free to do its job.”
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