Nobel Prize-winning Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov plans to challenge his designation as a “foreign agent” by the Russian authorities, according to Novaya Gazeta, the newspaper he edits.
Last Friday, Russia’s justice ministry added Muratov, an experienced editor and co-laureate of the 2021 Nobel peace prize, to the list of officially recognized “foreign agents,” a label used to marginalize and complicate the lives of those deemed to be working against Russian state interests.
The justice ministry alleged that Muratov, who sold his Nobel medal at an auction to assist Ukrainian child refugees, was “creating and disseminating material produced by foreign agents and using it to spread negative opinions about Russia’s foreign and domestic policies on international platforms.”
Novaya Gazeta, known for its investigative reporting that sometimes takes aim at the Kremlin, government policies, and high-ranking officials, announced that Muratov would temporarily step down from his position as editor-in-chief to challenge his designation in court.
“Muratov firmly disagrees with the Ministry of Justice’s decision and is lodging a lawsuit,” stated Novaya Gazeta.
“At his request, the editorial board has suspended Dmitry Muratov as editor-in-chief until the legal proceedings are concluded. Sergei Sokolov has been appointed acting editor-in-chief,” the statement added.
Novaya Gazeta claimed that Muratov was targeted by the authorities due to his opinions and beliefs, which contradicts constitutional guarantees of freedom of thought and speech.
The justice ministry has considerably expanded its “foreign agent” list since Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022, using the designation to smear individuals and organizations who publicly criticize or question the war.
Journalists labeled as “foreign agents” are required to include a disclaimer about their status on every article, face increased official scrutiny and financial checks, and media outlets with the same label have seen support from Russian-based funders and sponsors withdrawn.
As a response to legislation imposing severe penalties for discrediting the actions of the Russian military in Ukraine, Novaya Gazeta suspended publication in 2022. Since then, many of its journalists have regrouped and started a new publication in Latvia.
(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by William Maclean)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
