The Congressional Periodical Press Gallery denied permanent congressional press pass for Sputnik, a Russian state-owned news website. This was reported by Politico, referring to the Senate Periodical Press Gallery Director, Justin Wilson.
He noted that Sputnik can appeal against this decision.
According to the rules of the gallery, members must not "act as an agent for, or be employed by the Federal, or any State, local or foreign government or representatives thereof", the message reads.
It is noted that press-gallery credentials allow its owner to visit most of the events in the Capitol, being also a pass into the White House and Supreme Court.
The edition writes that Andrew Feinberg, the correspondent of Russian website in Washington, was not available for any commentary. He wrote on his Facebook page that he was seeking lawyer specialized on press freedom, noting that decision "is the most absurd thing he has ever encountered in a decade of work as a Washington-based journalist."
