Britain's BBC has announced that it will resume English-language reporting in Russia after it suspended its coverage to assess the implications of a new law.
On March 4, the BBC said it had paused its reporting in Russia after the State Duma passed a law there that could impose a jail term of up to 15 years for anyone found to be intentionally spreading "fake" news.
"We have considered the implications of the new legislation alongside the urgent need to report from inside Russia. After careful deliberation we have decided to resume English-language reporting from Russia this evening," the BBC said in a statement.
"We will tell this crucial part of the story independently and impartially, adhering to the BBC’s strict editorial standards. The safety of our staff in Russia remains our No. 1 priority."
The BBC had announced the suspension after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law legislation that calls for sentences of up to 15 years in prison for people who distribute "false news" about the Russian military.
SEE ALSO: Putin Signs 'Harsh' Law Allowing Long Prison Terms For 'False News' About ArmyThe Kremlin said it needed a "harsh" new law to tackle such reports due to the current "information war."
The law and other aspects of the current Russian clampdown on independent domestic and international media outlets covering Moscow's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine have already prompted Russian and international closures and suspensions.
Major international broadcasters who have announced suspensions include CNN, Bloomberg, CBS, and Germany's ARD and ZDF.