Russia blacklists Dutch-founded independent newspaper Moscow Times

Russia has designated the independent newspaper the Moscow Times as an "unwanted organization." This means that it is now forbidden for Russians to work for or have any connection with the newspaper, which was founded by the Dutch journalist Derk Sauer.

Sauer said that he saw it coming that Russia would designate the newspaper as such. “We had already been named a ‘foreign agent,’ and we are quite successful with our reporting in Russia. Then you know it’s coming,” the 71-year-old Sauer told ANP.

“It makes life harder than it already is,” Sauer added. When the Moscow Times was earlier designated as a foreign agent, it led to a large part of the editorial team relocating to Amsterdam after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They now face the uncertainty of not knowing when they can visit their home country, let alone move back.

“This label makes it impossible for my Russian colleagues to return for as long as Putin is in power. There are tough prison sentences awaiting them if they do,” Sauer said.

According to Russian authorities, the newspaper is "aimed at discrediting the decisions of the leadership of the Russian Federation regarding both foreign and domestic policy." The title "unwanted organization" is often used in Russia to suppress independent media, human rights organizations, and educational institutions.

It also makes it more complicated for Sauer and his editorial to speak to people in Russia. “Because now it is criminally punishable for Russian people to even contact us. They can be sentenced to jail for speaking to one of our journalists,” Sauer explained.

Russian people are also not allowed to become subscribers or receive newsletters from the Moscow Times. The new label even means the Moscow Times readers who share articles online can be prosecuted.

Sauer called it a “battle for free speech,” but he also said it could be considered a technological war. The journalist added that he thinks The Moscow Times will be banned in Russia for as long as Vladimir Putin is in power.

“The police state is getting worse every day. This is happening to us now, but hundreds of people are in jail for retweeting a social media post. Who have been critical of the war. These are Stalin times.”