The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation into Kirill Martynov, the chief editor of Novaya Gazeta Europe, an independent media outlet that was formed in Latvia after the crackdown on free speech in Russia. The Investigative Committee accused Martynov of conducting activities of an undesirable organization. Novaya Gazeta Europe is an offshoot of Novaya Gazeta, which had its media license revoked in Russia in September 2022. In June 2023, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office declared Novaya Gazeta Europe an “undesirable” organization, under a law that has been used to target opponents of the Russian government, including NGOs, independent media outlets, and human rights groups. The Russian government passed a law expanding the list of “undesirable” organizations to include those funded by foreign states, in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, as ruled by the European Court of Human Rights.
Under the law on “undesirable” organizations in Russia, such organizations are banned from operating in the country, and it is illegal for individuals or other media outlets to share their content. Leaders of these organizations can face up to six years in prison, while members could receive prison sentences of up to four years. The Prosecutor General’s Office also labeled George Clooney’s foundation, the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), as an “undesirable” organization, accusing it of carrying out work aimed at discrediting Russia on a large scale. This move is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to crack down on perceived threats to its regime, including independent media outlets and organizations that receive funding from foreign sources. The targeting of Novaya Gazeta Europe and the CFJ is seen as a continuation of the trend of silencing dissent and restricting freedom of speech in Russia.
The criminal investigation into Kirill Martynov and the labeling of Novaya Gazeta Europe and the CFJ as “undesirable” organizations highlight the challenges faced by independent media outlets and organizations in Russia under President Vladimir Putin’s regime. The use of laws to suppress dissent and limit freedom of speech has raised concerns among human rights groups and international organizations about the erosion of democratic rights in the country. The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling against the expanded law on “undesirable” organizations demonstrates the international community’s commitment to upholding human rights standards and holding the Russian government accountable for its actions. However, the Russian government’s continued targeting of perceived opponents shows its determination to maintain control over the flow of information and suppress dissenting voices.
The actions taken against Novaya Gazeta Europe, the CFJ, and other “undesirable” organizations reflect a broader crackdown on civil society in Russia and a tightening of restrictions on freedom of expression. The Russian government’s efforts to silence critical voices and limit the ability of independent media outlets to operate freely contribute to a climate of fear and censorship in the country. Despite international condemnation and legal challenges, the Russian government has continued to use repressive laws to target perceived threats to its authority, reinforcing the need for ongoing advocacy and support for press freedom and human rights in Russia. The criminalization of independent journalism and civil society activism undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and poses a threat to the fundamental rights of Russian citizens.
The criminal investigation into Kirill Martynov and the designation of Novaya Gazeta Europe and the CFJ as “undesirable” organizations underscore the risks faced by journalists and activists working to expose corruption and promote transparency in Russia. The Russian government’s use of legal mechanisms to suppress dissent and control the narrative reflects a broader pattern of authoritarianism and disregard for democratic norms. The international community must continue to pressure the Russian government to respect freedom of speech and human rights, and to uphold its obligations under international law. The targeting of independent media outlets and civil society organizations is a troubling development that requires a coordinated response from governments, civil society, and international organizations to protect the rights of journalists and defenders of democracy in Russia.
