An independent Russian election-monitoring group has accused television networks — primarily state-controlled — of violating election laws by delivering free campaign advertising for President Vladimir Putin ahead of the March presidential election he is widely expected to win.
RFE/RL: 50 ways to love your Putin – Russian TV fawns over election drive
A pedestrian passes by a billboard with an image of Russia's President Vladimir Putin and lettering "Strong president - Strong Russia!" in Moscow on Jan. 15.
