Russian court fines Wikipedia again over Ukraine war article
A Russian court on Thursday fined Wikimedia Foundation, the owners of Wikipedia, the sum of two million rubles ( $24,510 ) for failing to delete what the court classified as “ banned content “ related to the Russian military, Interfax reported.
The report stated that this is the seventh fine imposed on Wikimedia in 2023, for not removing prohibited information. The fines now total 8.4 million rubles.
Wikimedia received the latest fine on Thursday for not removing an article about a military unit containing “classified military information” about its location, composition, and equipment, including information related to the progress of what Russia calls its special military operation in Ukraine.
Wikimedia previously stated that the information Russian authorities complained about was well-sourced and aligned with Wikipedia standards.
Since it invaded Ukraine last year, the Russian government initiated a state-sponsored crackdown on online content. Wikipedia is one of the few surviving independent sources of information left.
Maksut Shadaev, Russia’s digital affairs minister commented on the state-sponsored censorship efforts recently.
“We are not blocking Wikipedia yet, there are no such plans for now,” said Mr Shadaev.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
AgriConnect: FG, World Bank, Oyo, IITA join forces to bolster food security
Mr Makinde said Nigeria was not lagging behind in agricultural activities.
Heading 4
Sri Lanka-bound 44kg hashish, 13kg cocaine intercepted at Canada’s Toronto Pearson’s airport
The suspect was subsequently arrested by law enforcement officers before being transferred into the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
NationWide
Africa Magic airs documentary celebrating Olu Jacobs’ legacy
The late Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife.
Africa
Ebola cases rise as outbreak expands to 63 health zones in DR Congo: WHO
WHO said delays in diagnosis and access to adequate treatment could contribute to preventable deaths.
States
Edo govt. targets jobs, revenue through tourism, hospitality sectors
Mr Okaeben said the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment where talents could thrive.
NationWide
Army trains 380 soldiers in specialised skills to boost operations
Mr Adejimi said the training was designed to improve the technical capabilities of personnel.
