The International Federation of Journalists has suspended the Russian Union of Journalists with immediate effect for its action since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and for its role in the annexed Ukrainian territories.
The IFJ, which represents more than 600,000 media workers worldwide, said membership in the Russian union was suspended following an investigation and then a vote by its global executive committee on Wednesday.
The vote was held after the union refused to reconsider its decision to set up branches in four regions annexed by Russia, the federation said.
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“The actions of the Russian Union of Journalists in establishing four branches in the annexed Ukrainian territories have clearly broken … solidarity and sowed divisions among fraternal unions,” said IFJ president Dominique Pradalié.
The Ukrainian military fires rockets at Russian frontline positions near Bakhmut, Ukraine November 24, 2022. The International Federation of Journalism has suspended the Russian Union of Journalists for actions following the invasion of Ukraine. (AP/LIBKOS Photo, Files)
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The Kremlin illegally annexed Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions in September, where it says its rule is welcomed. Pro-Moscow separatists have controlled parts of Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk province since 2014.
The IFJ said it would continue to support independent journalists inside and outside Russia by providing aid to its Ukrainian affiliates.
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According to the federation, Ukraine was the deadliest country for journalists in 2022, with 12 media workers killed while carrying out their jobs.
