In a shocking move, Russia has officially labeled the Moscow Times as an “undesirable organization,” effectively banning its operations within the country. This designation not only puts the outlet at risk but also exposes anyone collaborating with them to potential criminal charges.
The prosecutor general’s office in Russia released a statement on Monday declaring the activities of the Moscow Times as undesirable, accusing the outlet of discrediting the decisions made by Russian leadership in both foreign and domestic policies.
This is not the first time Russian authorities have used the undesirable label to crack down on independent media and civic organizations critical of the Kremlin. Other notable organizations, such as Proekt, the Insider, and Important Stories, have faced similar treatment, severely limiting their ability to report within the country and putting reporters and their sources at legal risk.
The designation forces organizations to cease operations in Russia and opens up the possibility of prosecution for Russians who work for, fund, or collaborate with them, with potential jail terms of up to five years.
The Moscow Times, known for its English and Russian publications, has a rich history of producing top-notch journalists who cover Russia. From Evan Gershkovich to Ellen Barry, the paper has been a training ground for many accomplished correspondents.
Despite these challenges, the Moscow Times remains resilient, continuing to speak truth to power and shed light on important issues. The designation may make their jobs more difficult, but they refuse to be silenced. Editor Samantha Berkhead made it clear that they will not back down, even in the face of adversity.
