Russian authorities on Friday designated the Norwegian online news publication The Barents Observer as an “undesirable” organization, a day after Europe’s top human rights court ruled against its ban inside Russia.
The Prosecutor General’s Office accused the Arctic-focused outlet of publishing “anti-Russian” content written by exiled Russian citizens who are “listed as foreign agents or terrorists and extremists.”
“The articles are aimed at stirring dissent among residents of Russia’s northern regions, tightening anti-Russian sanctions and increasing NATO’s military presence near our borders,” the office said in a statement.
Russian authorities also claimed The Barents Observer, which publishes both in English and Russian, is financed by foreign organizations already labeled “undesirable” in Russia, though it did not specify which organizations.
The designation effectively bans the outlet from operating inside Russia and exposes its employees and affiliates to potential criminal prosecution.
Barents Observer editor Thomas Nielsen linked the decision to Thursday’s ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found Russia’s 2019 decision to block the outlet’s website unlawful.
“There is no such thing as coincidence... in regards to actions taken by the Kremlin’s repressive authorities,” Nielsen told The Moscow Times in written comments. “Yesterday afternoon, The Barents Observer won against Russia in the European Court of Human Rights. This morning, the Prosecutor General labeled us ‘undesirable.’”
“The Barents Observer will continue to report... about important developments in the Russian north,” Nilsen added.
Russia has used the “undesirable” designation to target independent media, opposition groups and foreign organizations since introducing the law in 2015.
Mack Tubridy contributed reporting.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
