MOSCOW, December 9 (RIA Novosti) - The lower house of the Russian parliament adopted a law in its third reading Friday that gives the Public Chamber the right to control the observance of freedom of speech in the mass media.
The bill was backed by 347 State Duma deputies, out of the 226 votes necessary. Six rejected it and one person abstained.
The amendments to the law on the Public Chamber adopted by the legislature will defend citizens' right to objective information. The law allows the chamber to attract individuals, public associations and media representatives to discuss issues related to freedom of speech.
The chamber will outline recommendations and make conclusions on violations of freedom of speech, later sending them to competent state bodies or officials.
