Moscow  - Russia's communication ministry Monday announced it was setting up a hotline for journalists to report threats against them.

The hotline could be used by editorial desks and journalists to report press freedom violations as well as specific threats, the ministry said on its internet site.

The aim is to put an end to, or prevent, pressure exerted on the media and to punish the guilty, the ministry said.

The move comes after Russian journalists have long complained about inadequate protection for them in their work.

After the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, known for her critical reporting on the Kremlin in October 2006, media groups demanded permission to allow their employees to carry weapons. The authorities rejected the demand.(dpa)