Kazakhstan Denies Accreditation to 16 RFE/RL Journalists, Deepening Press Freedom Crisis
July 25, 2025
Journalist Adam Abu Harbid Killed as Gaza Press Death Toll Rises to 264
July 25, 2025
July 25, 2025 – Russia/Azerbaijan –
Veteran journalist Mikhail Gusman, the first deputy director general of Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, was abruptly dismissed after attending a media forum in Azerbaijan, triggering speculation about deepening diplomatic rifts and the suppression of press independence within Russia.
Gusman, an ethnic Jew born in Azerbaijan, had worked with TASS for over three decades, playing a key role in international media relations. His participation in the Global Media Forum held in Shusha, a culturally significant city in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, sparked criticism from Russian ultra-nationalist circles. At the event, Gusman praised Azerbaijani diplomacy and appeared alongside Ukrainian journalists, a move perceived by some in Moscow as politically provocative amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving both countries.
Shortly after his return to Russia, Gusman was dismissed without official explanation. However, Russian pro-government bloggers and nationalist figures accused him of acting as an “Azeri spy” and condemned his appearance at a forum viewed by some as challenging Russian strategic interests in the South Caucasus. His ousting reflects the increasing intolerance within Russian state structures for perceived disloyalty or independent action, especially on sensitive foreign policy matters.
The dismissal also coincides with escalating tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan. Strains have intensified following a series of incidents, including the downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft by Russian forces in late 2023 and the recent deaths of Azerbaijani nationals in Russian custody. Azerbaijan’s government has publicly demanded explanations and accountability, further souring relations between the two countries.
Although TASS officially thanked Gusman for his long-standing service, the timing and context of his firing signal a deeper political message: alignment with Kremlin narratives is non-negotiable, even for high-ranking media executives. Gusman has not issued a public response.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of journalists and media professionals in authoritarian regimes, where journalistic careers can be derailed by diplomatic optics and nationalist fervor. It also illustrates how the intersection of personal identity, international affiliations, and media representation can become volatile in an environment of tightened state control and growing regional instability.
Reference –
Russian Jewish journalist fired after attending Azerbaijan forum
https://www.jns.org/russian-jewish-journalist-fired-after-attending-azerbaijan-forum/
