Russia Labels Committee to Protect Journalists an ‘Undesirable Organization’

Russia has added the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) to its official list of “undesirable organizations,” escalating the country’s crackdown on independent journalism, international media watchdogs, and press freedom groups.

According to CPJ, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the organization to the register on May 12 after the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office designated it “undesirable” on April 28. Under Russian law, organizations carrying this label are effectively banned from operating in the country, and individuals accused of cooperating with them can face criminal prosecution.

CPJ condemned the decision and described the designation as another attempt by Russian authorities to isolate independent journalism and suppress international scrutiny of press freedom conditions inside the country. The organization stated that the move demonstrates how the Kremlin increasingly treats media advocacy groups and independent reporting as threats to state security.

Organizations labeled “undesirable” in Russia are prohibited from conducting activities inside the country, and Russian citizens can face penalties for sharing their content, donating funds, or collaborating with them. Violations can lead to heavy fines or prison sentences of up to six years. Press freedom groups say the law has become a major tool for silencing dissent and restricting access to independent information.

CPJ joins a growing list of international organizations, independent media outlets, universities, and civil society groups banned under Russia’s “undesirable organizations” legislation. Other media-related organizations and outlets targeted under the law include Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Meduza, Bellingcat, and the International Women’s Media Foundation.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities have significantly expanded restrictions on journalism and public expression. Independent media outlets have been forced into exile, journalists have faced arrests and criminal charges, and new laws have criminalized reporting that contradicts official government narratives about the war.

Press freedom advocates argue that Russia’s “undesirable” and “foreign agent” laws create an atmosphere of fear that encourages censorship and self-censorship among journalists and media workers. According to CPJ and other watchdog organizations, dozens of journalists remain imprisoned in Russia, while many others continue operating from exile under threat of prosecution.

The designation also reflects broader efforts by Russian authorities to restrict international oversight of human rights and press freedom conditions. Media analysts say the Kremlin has increasingly portrayed foreign-supported journalism organizations as hostile actors connected to Western influence campaigns.

CPJ stated that it would continue monitoring press freedom violations in Russia despite the designation and urged the international community to condemn measures targeting journalists, media outlets, and organizations defending independent reporting.

Reference –

Russia adds CPJ to its list of ‘undesirable organizations’

https://nuju.org.ua/russia-declares-cpj-undesirable-organization/