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Russia Designates The Barents Observer as "Undesirable"
Russian authorities on Friday designated the Norwegian online news publication, The Barents Observer, as an “undesirable” organization. This move came a day after the European Court of Human Rights ruled against Russia’s 2019 decision to block the outlet’s website, declaring the action unlawful. The designation effectively bans the outlet from operating within Russia and exposes its employees and affiliates to potential criminal prosecution. This decision is the latest in a series of actions taken by Russian authorities to silence independent media and stifle dissenting voices, both domestically and internationally.
The Prosecutor General’s Office accused The Barents Observer of publishing “anti-Russian” content, allegedly written by exiled Russian citizens who have been labeled as foreign agents or terrorists and extremists. The articles, according to the statement, aim to stir dissent among residents of Russia’s northern regions, tighten anti-Russian sanctions, and increase NATO’s military presence near Russian borders. Additionally, Russian authorities claimed that the outlet is financed by foreign organizations already labeled as “undesirable” in Russia, though no specific organizations were named. This accusation further solidifies Russia’s narrative of external interference in its internal affairs.
The European Court of Human Rights Ruling
The timing of the designation is not coincidental. Just a day before, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that Russia’s 2019 decision to block The Barents Observer’s website was unlawful. The ECHR found that the blockade violated the right to freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights. This ruling is a significant blow to Russia’s efforts to suppress independent media, both within its borders and beyond.
In response to the designation, Thomas Nielsen, the editor of The Barents Observer, linked the decision to Thursday’s ruling by the ECHR. “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. He emphasized that the outlet would continue to report on important developments in the Russian north, despite the challenges posed by the designation. Nielsen’s comments highlight the resilience of independent media in the face of increasing repression.
The Broader Context of Russia’s "Undesirable" Designation
Russia has been using the “undesirable” designation to target independent media, opposition groups, and foreign organizations since introducing the law in 2015. This designation is part of a broader strategy to control the narrative, suppress dissent, and limit the influence of external organizations deemed threatening to the Kremlin’s authority. The law allows Russian authorities to label groups as “undesirable” if they are seen as posing a threat to national security or public order, a definition that has been used to target a wide range of organizations, including media outlets, NGOs, and political opposition groups.
The designation of The Barents Observer as “undesirable” is a clear attempt to silence independent voices that challenge the Russian government’s narrative. By targeting an outlet that focuses on the Arctic region, Russia is also signaling its intention to exert greater control over the narrative in areas of strategic importance, such as the Arctic, which has become a focal point for geopolitical competition.
The Moscow Times’ Call to Action
The Moscow Times, another independent media outlet, has also faced similar challenges. In a message to its readers, the outlet revealed that it has been designated as an “undesirable” organization by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office. This designation criminalizes their work and puts their staff at risk of prosecution. The outlet underscored that these actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia, with the authorities claiming that their work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." The Moscow Times, however, refuses to be silenced, emphasizing their commitment to providing accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
In light of these challenges, The Moscow Times has called on its readers for support. The outlet stressed that independent journalism in Russia is under unprecedented threats and that their continued work depends on the support of their audience. They urged readers to contribute financially, starting from as little as $2 a month, to help them continue their mission of providing open and independent journalism. By supporting The Moscow Times, readers are not only defending the outlet but also upholding the principles of press freedom in the face of repression.
Conclusion
The designation of The Barents Observer as “undesirable” is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent media in Russia and beyond. The move is part of a larger effort to suppress dissenting voices and control the narrative, both within Russia and internationally. The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling against Russia’s blockade of The Barents Observer’s website is a significant victory for press freedom, but the subsequent designation shows that the Kremlin is unwilling to back down in its efforts to silence independent media.
The resilience of outlets like The Barents Observer and The Moscow Times in the face of increasing repression is a testament to the power of independent journalism. However, the challenges they face are growing, and their ability to continue their work depends on the support of their audiences. In a world where press freedom is increasingly under threat, the work of these outlets is more important than ever. By supporting independent journalism, readers can play a crucial role in defending the principles of freedom of expression and holding power to account.
