In retaliation for US sanctions, Russia lists bans hundreds of US citizens from Russia

Location: Russia

Date: March 14, 2024

Women Press Freedom condemns the Russian government's recent imposition of personal sanctions on more than 200 American citizens, including government employees, academics, and notably, journalists — citing what it perceives as unjustified and hostile actions by the United States government. Journalists listed include Washington Post reporter Ellen Nakshima and her colleagues, alongside reporters from Voice of America and the New York Times. This move is just the latest in the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to stifle dissent, even beyond its borders. While the practical impact on those listed may be limited as they reside outside Russia, the announcement reinforces Russia's pattern of targeting critics regardless of their location. Moscow uses various legislative measures, including arrest warrants, to intimidate foreign and exiled journalists and activists critical of Putin's regime, particularly concerning Russia's actions in Ukraine. We call upon the international community to join us in condemning Russia's repressive actions and to stand in solidarity with the journalists affected. 

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On March 15, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it was imposing personal sanctions on United States citizens for allegedly engaging in “hostile attacks” against Russia, and spreading what the Kremlin believes to be fabrications and slander about Russia's foreign and domestic policies.

Among the 227 people sanctioned, most are government employees, academics, and journalists. Among those listed is Ellen Nakshima, a national security reporter for the Washington Post. Nakshima is an award-winning journalist who has received plaudits for her ability to dissect foreign policy, intelligence, and technology while presenting their broader social, economic, and political implications. Other journalists sanctioned include Joseph Marks, Joseph Menn, and Tim Starks of the Washington Post, Robert Worth of the New York Times, and Voice of America’s Jeff Seldin.

All those sanctioned are banned from entry to Russia. They are accused of playing a role in developing, implementing, and justifying what Russia describes as a "Russophobic course" taken by the current US administration. The sanctions are framed as a response to the expansion of sanctions imposed by the United States against Russian citizens following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

In August 2023, Russia targeted numerous British-based journalists, including BBC and Guardian reporters, in a similar fashion. Since June 2022, the Russian government has added ten women journalists to its blacklist:

• Ellen Nakshima, national security reporter Washington Post  

• Deborah Turness, BBC News chief executive

• Emily Bell, the Guardian columnist, and Tow Center professor

• Marianna Spring, BBC News disinformation correspondent

• Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief, the Guardian

• Orla Guerin, BBC correspondent

• Emma Graham-Harrison, Guardian correspondent 

• Sophy Ridge, journalist, and Sky News presenter 

• Catherine Newman, journalist, and host of Channel 4 News

• Larisa Brown, military news editor, the Times

Women Press Freedom remains deeply troubled by the Kremlin's relentless tactics aimed at harassing journalists and tarnishing their reputations. The inclusion of journalists and academics from the United States on the sanction list is an effort to delegitimize their work and erode the credibility of their reporting. We strongly denounce Russia's aggressive maneuvers targeting the press and activists who dare to criticize its government, particularly in the context of its invasion of Ukraine. The international community must vocally and consistently rebuke the Kremlin for its assaults on press freedom and freedom of expression.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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