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.”
Heading 4
South African police arrest Zimbabwean Zandile Tshuma over murder of wife, daughters in UK
The police spokesperson said the suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday.
States
Tinubu lauds rescue of Oyo pupils, teachers; vows justice for victims
Mr Tinubu vowed to get justice for the victims, including the mathematics teacher, murdered while in captivity.
Ibadan
Oyo Abduction: Eight suspects arrested, several killed, presidency says
The presidential aide noted that the victims were rescued without any concessions to the perpetrators.
Education
Ondo varsity lecturers begin indefinite strike over unpaid salaries
The strike action commenced following the resolution reached at the union’s congress on Friday over the non-payment of May and June salaries.
States
Vandalism of national assets attracts 25-year jail term, NSCDC warns
The NSCDC commandant explained that vandalising national assets affects national security, the economy, and human lives.
States
Police arrest two suspected kidnappers in Kwara
The suspects were identified as Sauni Shehu and Auwalu Bala.
