Meta Oversight Board says wrong to remove Moscow attack posts

The Meta Oversight Board on Tuesday said the social network was wrong to remove three Facebook posts showing images from a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall in March.

The posts did violate Meta rules against showing victims during an attack, but their news value should have made them exempt from those rules, according to the independent board.

"In a country such as Russia with a closed media environment, accessibility on social media of such content is even more important," the board said in a written decision.

"Suppressing matters of vital public concern based on unsubstantiated fears it could promote radicalization is not consistent with Meta's responsibilities to free expression."

Each of the posts clearly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with or concern for victims, according to the board.

Meta should restore the posts -- adding a warning that the content could be disturbing to viewers, the board ruled.

Four gunmen stormed the Crocus City venue before the start of a rock concert, opened fire on the audience and set fire to the building, in an assault claimed by the Islamic State group.

The assault claimed more than 140 lives, the deadliest attack in Russia for almost 20 years.

The board is referred to as a top court for content disputes at Meta, and the social media giant has agreed to abide by its decisions.