Russia declares Moscow Times 'undesirable' over Ukraine War reporting

In a move that escalates the crackdown on independent journalism, Russia has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable organization." This decision exposes journalists associated with the publication to the threat of criminal prosecution within Russia and bans access to its reports.

Crackdown on independent reporting

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office cited what it called "systematic" reporting by The Moscow Times aimed at undermining the government's actions during the military operation in Ukraine, which Russia terms as a special military operation since February 2022. This designation marks a severe tightening of restrictions on media freedom in the country.

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The Moscow Times, originally established in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, shifted to an online-only format in 2017. The publication relocated its newsroom out of Russia shortly after Russia criminalized the "discrediting" of military operations, a move that forced several other international media outlets, including Bloomberg News, to leave as well.

Challenges and reactions

Founder Derk Sauer expressed resolve to continue independent journalism despite the crackdown, acknowledging the risks involved in operating under President Vladimir Putin’s administration. The designation as an "undesirable organization" follows a previous classification of The Moscow Times as a "foreign agent" by Russia's Justice Ministry last year.

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International condemnation has followed, with concerns raised over the implications for press freedom and the safety of journalists. The move also coincides with ongoing legal challenges faced by foreign journalists reporting from Russia, such as the trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges.

In conclusion, the designation of The Moscow Times as "undesirable" underscores Russia’s tightening grip on media freedoms, particularly in the context of critical reporting on government actions. The decision has sparked widespread criticism and raised fears about the future of independent journalism within Russia's borders, amid a broader crackdown on dissenting voices.