Russia Labels Mediazona as ‘Foreign Agent’ in Ongoing Crackdown
The Russian justice ministry this week designated the independent investigative news outlet Mediazona and its editor-in-chief, Sergei Smirnov, as “foreign agents.” More
The PEN Pod: On Reporting on Russia and the Climate for Foreign Journalists with Sarah Rainsford
“The climate for journalism and generally in Russia is closing down. It’s changing, it’s getting harder, it’s getting tougher. And for some reason, I appear to have been singled… More
Russia Effectively Blackmailed Apple, Google Into Removing Voting App
Google and Apple have removed from their stores a tactical voting app from imprisoned activist Alexei Navalny and his allies after coming under pressure from the Russian government for… More
PEN America Decries Russia’s Expulsion of Comedian
The Russian government this week issued an order permanently expelling Idrak Mirzalizade, a Belarusian standup comedian, from Russia in retaliation for a joke he made about racial discrimination in… More
The PEN Pod: On Vaccine Misinformation, the Capitol Insurrection, and Crackdowns on Journalists in Russia
“It’s extremely important to get [the Capitol insurrection] down as a first draft of history that cannot be wished away or ignored.” More
Russian Officials Raid Investigative Journalist’s Home
PEN America condemned a police raid on the home of the editor in chief of the Russian investigative website The Insider today, just days after the government labeled the… More
The PEN Pod: On Authoritarian Regimes and Public Pressure Campaigns with Summer Lopez
“These governments are trying to send a clear message that you’re not safe or free, no matter where you go, to dissidents.” More
Russian Government Outlaws Investigative News Outlet
Designation of Proekt as "undesirable" is an impediment to press freedom and part of an ongoing assault on journalists and journalism in Russia. More
Russian Journalists Raided Amid Their Investigation Into Government Corruption
Police in Russia this week raided the homes of a number of journalists from the independent investigative media outlet Proekt.Media. More
PEN America Condemns Russia’s Labeling of Bard College an “Undesirable Organization”
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office last week labeled Bard College as an “undesirable” non-governmental organization in Russia, effectively banning the institution of higher education from continuing its operations on… More