Armen Aramyan, the editor and co-founder of the independent youth Magazine DOXA, has been added to Russia’s list of “terrorists and extremists” by the state financial watchdog Rosfinmonitoring. This designation comes after a Moscow court ordered Aramyan’s arrest in absentia on charges of “justifying terrorism” and spreading “fakes” about the military on social media. Charges were not specified by prosecutors in terms of which posts or statements led to the accusations. Aramyan, who currently resides outside of Russia, responded to the news by stating, “It took a while.” Earlier this year, DOXA was labeled an “undesirable” organization in Russia, further complicating Aramyan’s situation.
Being added to Russia’s list of “extremists and terrorists” allows authorities to freeze the bank accounts of those designated without the need for a court order. In 2021, Aramyan, along with several other DOXA editors, was accused of inciting minors to participate in unsanctioned opposition protests and put under house arrest. After being sentenced to two years of correctional labor, Aramyan fled Russia to avoid serving the sentence. Recently, a former DOXA editor, Maria Menshikova, was sentenced by a Russian court for posts made on social media in 2022. The crackdown on independent media and journalism in Russia has escalated, with Rosfinmonitoring and other agencies targeting individuals and organizations that challenge the government’s narrative.
The Moscow Times, an independent news outlet in Russia, has also faced challenges as the country’s Prosecutor General’s Office designated it as an “undesirable” organization, further criminalizing their work and putting their staff at risk of prosecution. The outlet had previously been labeled a “foreign agent.” The authorities claim that The Moscow Times’ work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership,” but the journalists at the outlet maintain that they strive to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. Despite facing threats and attempts to silence them, the journalists at The Moscow Times refuse to be silenced and continue to defend open and independent journalism in the face of repression.
The challenging environment for independent media in Russia has led to a crackdown on journalists and their work. The government has used various tactics to suppress dissenting voices, including freezing bank accounts, conducting arrests, and imposing legal sanctions on those who challenge the official narrative. The situation has forced many journalists, like Armen Aramyan, to flee their home country to avoid persecution and prosecution for their reporting. The laws and regulations put in place by Russian authorities have made it difficult for independent media outlets to operate freely and provide alternative perspectives on current events.
The support of readers and the public is crucial for independent media outlets like The Moscow Times to continue their work in the face of repression. The outlet relies on contributions from supporters to sustain their operations and maintain their commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. By supporting independent journalism, individuals can help defend freedom of the press and stand against efforts to silence dissenting voices. The journalists at The Moscow Times are dedicated to upholding the principles of journalistic integrity and transparency despite the challenges they face in Russia’s increasingly restrictive media environment.
As the crackdown on independent media and journalism in Russia intensifies, it is essential for individuals to show their support for outlets like The Moscow Times that are dedicated to delivering accurate and unbiased reporting. The challenges faced by journalists, editors, and media organizations in the country highlight the importance of defending freedom of the press and the right to access information. By standing with independent media outlets and journalists facing persecution, individuals can help protect the principles of democracy and promote transparency in the face of increasing repression. The ongoing struggles of journalists in Russia underscore the critical role that independent media plays in holding those in power accountable and providing a voice for marginalized communities.
