MOSCOW, September 18 (RAPSI) – The State Duma has turned down on Wednesday a bill on journalistic immunity aimed at enhancing protection of journalists, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday.

The bill was turned down because Russian journalists are already protected by the federal law on mass media. Besides, the Criminal Code provides penalties for preventing journalists from conducting of their professional duties and interference into their professional activities, according to the explanatory note quoted by the agency. The bill was also criticized for its vague language.

It was drafted and submitted last year by Mikhail Serdyuk, a lawmaker with the A Just Russia party, who called for enhanced protection of journalists. 

The lawmaker suggested that the power of law enforcement officials to arrest or prosecute journalists should be limited. Journalist's arrest, detention, prosecution should be authorized with a special approval of high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Justice, according to the bill. 

The lawmaker said that the bill would have enabled journalists to fearlessly stand up against officials, private businesses, and increase efforts to fight corruption.