Russia Steps Up Blocking Web Content

Russian authorities blocked on Thursday three websites and a blog that had connections with the opposition.

The country's General Prosecutor ordered the sites because they had encouraged "illegal activities and participation in public events held in violation of the established order," The New York Times has quoted Russian officials as saying.

The new "blacklisted" outlets include platforms used by opposition figures Aleksei Navalny and Garry Kasparov.

Earlier this week, a set of measures were taken against other media including popular website "Lenta.ru" and radio station "Ekho Moskvy".

After the publishing of an interview with Ukrainian far-right Svoboda party's leader, Dmytro Yarosh, Lenta.ru announced that its editor-in-chief has been replaced by a journalist reportedly known for his affiliation to the authorities.

A new law which came into force on February 1 enabled the authorities order the blocking of websites containing "extremist" content or calls for unauthorized public gatherings.

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