Russian Embassy Hopes UK To Revise Attitude Toward Russian Journalists - Spokesperson

The Russian embassy in the United Kingdom hopes London will revise its attitude toward Russian journalists that are facing pressure in Britain, the embassy's spokesperson told Sputnik on Friday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th April, 2019) The Russian embassy in the United Kingdom hopes London will revise its attitude toward Russian journalists that are facing pressure in Britain, the embassy's spokesperson told Sputnik on Friday.

On Thursday, the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) non-profit organization published a World Press Freedom Index with the United Kingdom at number 33.

"We expect the British side to reconsider its short-sighted policy toward the Russian media, especially given the campaign recently announced by Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt aimed to protect the rights of journalists," the spokesperson said when commenting the new ranking.

According to the spokesperson, Russian journalists are facing problems in getting visas and opening bank accounts. In addition, the public figures urge their colleagues not to give interviews to Russian reporters calling them "weapons of the Kremlin propaganda.

" There is no journalistic solidarity on behalf of the British media either as some publications willingly join the persecution of Russian "spy reporters," the spokesperson said.

However, the working conditions faced by British media in Russia are way different, the spokesperson said.

"They are free to carry out their work, travel around our country, communicate with government officials, attend open and closed briefings at government establishments. In addition, they have no problems with extending visas and obtaining accreditation," the diplomatic mission representative said.

On the one hand, the discussion on sensitive issues "is conducted within a strictly defined framework" by British media, while on the other hand, media freedom often evolves into excessive permissiveness for tabloids, the spokesperson said.