Statement on Russia’s foreign agent designation of individual journalists
The law signed this week by Russian President Vladamir Putin escalates the Russian Federation’s attack on the institution of press freedom and targets the very individuals who provide unbiased news and information.
It is abhorrent that the Russian government would threaten journalists who work tirelessly for the benefit of its own citizens by labeling those journalists “foreign agents.” These dedicated men and women are often the only source of unbiased news and information for Russians in Moscow and beyond.
Journalists should be protected, not threatened. Despite the risks, our networks in Russia–Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America, as well as their regional websites and collaborative digital channel Current Time, will continue to provide Russians with credible, fact-based reporting. And we call on the Russian government to withdraw this harmful designation.