The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office announced on Wednesday the ban of The Moscow Times, an online newspaper, for allegedly discrediting the Russian military. This action follows shortly after the Kremlin-backed invasion of Ukraine.
Details on The Ban
The Prosecutor General’s Office labeled The Moscow Times as an “undesirable organization,” accusing it of undermining Russia’s leadership. This classification criminalizes any cooperation with or payments to the outlet, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
“The work of the publishing house is aimed at discrediting the decisions of the Russian leadership in both domestic and foreign policy,” stated the Prosecutor General’s Office.
In November 2023, The Moscow Times was added to a list of “foreign agents.” The ban aligns The Moscow Times with other Russian outlets such as Novaya Gazeta, Meduza, The Insider, and Istories, which have also been classified as “undesirable” and subsequently banned. The Prosecutor General’s Office justified the ban by citing The Moscow Times’ cooperation with these media entities.
The Moscow Times’ Response
The Moscow Times responded to the designation, stating it was “as no surprise” and affirmed their commitment to continue operating. “Our jobs are going to become more difficult. Anyone in Russia who interacts with us in any way will now be at risk of criminal prosecution. But we refuse to be silenced,” the website declared.
Background on The Moscow Times
Founded in 1992 as an English-language daily newspaper in Moscow by a Dutch publisher, The Moscow Times discontinued its print edition in 2017 and launched a Russian language service in 2020. The outlet relocated to the Netherlands in early 2022 following Russia’s crackdown on independent media. Its former staff includes prominent journalists, such as Evan Gershkovich, who is currently on trial in Russia on spying charges.
Implications and Broader Context
The ban on The Moscow Times underscores the ongoing suppression of independent media in Russia. The designation as an “undesirable organization” and subsequent criminalization of interaction with such outlets represents a significant escalation in the Kremlin’s efforts to control the narrative surrounding its policies and actions, both domestically and internationally.
As The Moscow Times and other independent media continue to face increasing pressure, the landscape for free press in Russia remains precarious, with significant implications for journalistic freedom and the dissemination of information within the country.
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