Russia: NUJ condemns "stop list" banning 29 journalists
British journalists accused of bias in their reporting of the war on Ukraine will no longer be permitted into Russia.
In a statement released by Russia’s foreign ministry on 14 June, journalists from the BBC, Guardian and several other media organisations are accused of “fueling Russophobia in British society" and "deliberate one-sided information about Russia and the developments in Ukraine and Donbass."
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:
"This is a deliberate move to stifle press freedom and curtail accurate reporting about events in Russia. This tit-for-tat targeting of senior media figures and journalists is clearly intended to send a chilling message about the work of the journalists in the organisations they lead and are part of, at the same time as curtailing the reporting of the high profile experienced journalists singled out in this list.
"Journalistic scrutiny in Russia is under enormous pressure, and the work done by UK media organisations is a vital part of the efforts to produce accurate and trustworthy reports and content. The NUJ will continue to support its members in the country and calls for the reversal of this decision."
The new crackdown forms part of ongoing media restrictions imposed in the country, instructing broadcasters and journalists to avoid describing Russia's action on Ukraine as war. The NUJ has condemned its efforts to stifle media freedom including through prosecution for spreading “false information” about Russia’s army.
Further additions to the stop list naming journalists and British defence staff are expected.