MOSCOW. Oct 3 (Interfax) - Russian Human Rights Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin has invited regional media to post reports on violations of human rights and freedom of the press on his official website.

"Many regional newspapers do not have a large audience, so we are offering them the chance to post reports on violations of human rights and freedoms and limitations on journalists on our official website, www.ombudsmanrf.ru," says a Monday report issued by Lukin's press service.

Frequently, criticisms of the media "are nothing but pressure on the independent press," he said.

"This is especially true for the regional media, which is often financially dependent on local authorities. Yet it is impossible to contain violations of human rights and freedoms without a free press," he said.