- Written by Laurence Peter
- bbc news
image source, Personal archive/BBC
Russia’s Ministry of Justice has labeled two prominent journalists, BBC Russia correspondent Ilya Balabanov and science reporter Asya Kazantseva, as “foreign spies.”
Balabanov has written extensively about Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Wagner Mercenaries. The BBC condemned the department’s move against him.
“The BBC strongly rejects this decision,” the BBC said in a statement.
The label “foreign agent” has very negative connotations in Russia.
The government has used this to marginalize not only those who criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but also voices that challenge other Kremlin policies, including prominent cultural figures, media outlets, and civil society groups.
Boris Akunin, one of Russia’s most popular novelists, made it onto the list in January. He has been a longtime critic of President Vladimir Putin.
The term “foreign agents” brings to mind Soviet-era operations against “enemies of the people.” “Foreign agents” must identify themselves as such on social media and other publications and face onerous financial reporting requirements.
Mr Balabanov and Mr Kazantseva currently live abroad.
Kazantseva signed an open letter by Russian scientists and science journalists calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. She left Russia in January, claiming that pro-war figures harassed her and canceled her lectures and book launches.
The Justice Ministry accused Balabanov, now based in Latvia, of “spreading misinformation” about Russian government decisions and policies and of opposing the war in Ukraine.
A BBC statement condemned the move, stressing that “the BBC has a global reputation as a trusted and independent news source.”
He added: “BBC News Russian has been a vital source of accurate and unbiased news for Russian-speakers for 80 years. We are extremely proud of all of our journalists and are proud to announce Our priority is to ensure that we support Ilya and all of his colleagues, all of whom are able to continue their work reporting on Russia at such a critical time. ”