 (1).png){kind=spacer}
3 weeks ago
5
The Moscow-based weekly newspaper Sobesednik will cease publication following its designation as a “foreign agent” last week, one of its reporters told independent media on Tuesday.
Sobesednik was declared a “foreign agent” on Sept. 13, with Russian authorities accusing the publication of spreading inaccurate information about government policies and “fakes” about the Russian military, as well as opposing the invasion of Ukraine and sharing content from other “foreign agents.”
“With great regret, we must announce that after Sobesednik-Media LLC was added to the Justice Ministry’s registry of foreign agents, we are forced to suspend the publication of all Sobesednik Publishing House outlets,” said Elena Milchanovska, a correspondent for the newspaper, in a statement quoted by the independent broadcaster SOTAvision.
“We will be challenging the designation of Sobesednik-Media LLC as a foreign agent in court,” the statement added. “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support and the kind, encouraging words shared with our editorial team.”
Founded in 1984 as the Soviet Union’s first color newspaper, Sobesednik had been in circulation not only in Russia but also in Latvia, Belarus, Armenia and Israel.
In February, Sobesednik published a two-page spread on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny four days after his death, including an obituary and coverage of spontaneous vigils held in his honor. The issue featured a large photo of a smiling Navalny with the caption: “But there is hope!”
Milchanovska said circulation of the newspaper would be suspended for at least two to three months while it fights the “foreign agent” designation in court.
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.
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
