BBC suspends work of news journalists and support staff in Russia

Watch: BBC halts journalists' work in Russia after Kremlin passes law threatening jail for spreading 'fake' information

The BBC is “temporarily suspending” the work of all its news journalists and support staff in Russia after a law cracking down on foreign outlets was passed.

The Russian parliament has approved a law that would make it a criminal offence to spread “fake” or “false” news about the conflict in Ukraine, punishable by a prison term.

It comes after the Kremlin accused the BBC of playing a “determined role in undermining the Russian stability and security”.

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However, the corporation's director-general Tim Davie said the legislation appeared to “criminalise the process of independent journalism”.

"It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development," he said in a statement.

“Our BBC News service in Russian will continue to operate from outside Russia.

“The safety of our staff is paramount and we are not prepared to expose them to the risk of criminal prosecution simply for doing their jobs."

Mr Davie also paid tribute to the corporation's staff "for their bravery, determination and professionalism".

He went on: “We remain committed to making accurate, independent information available to audiences around the world, including the millions of Russians who use our news services.

"Our journalists in Ukraine and around the world will continue to report on the invasion of Ukraine.”

Earlier on Friday, the Russian Duma approved a law making it a criminal offence to publish “fake news” concerning its armed forces, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

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The law would also make it an offence to call for sanctions against Russia.

Additional reporting by PA.