• Freedom of expression
• Moscow City & Moscow Region

On 4 October at Moscow’s House of Journalists a new database entitled Russia: Conflicts in the Media dedicated to providing information about violations of the rights of journalists was launched. 

As Caucasian Knot reports, the database, devoted to attacks on journalists, threats, assaults and prosecutions, is a new resource. “This work has become possible thanks to the collaboration of various organizations and colleagues from a number of countries,” said Nadezhda Azhgikhina, secretary of the Union of Journalists of Russia. 

According to Azhgikhina, the database will bring together all those who are concerned about the development of independent journalism in Russia, whether media professionals or members of the public, and will contribute to preventing future conflicts. 

Vsevolod Bogdanov, chair of the Union of Journalists of Russia, reminded those at the launch that “not one high profile killing that has been made the special responsibility of top officials has been solved.” However, this should not be a reason to dismiss attempts to find out the truth, or not to intervene in situations where “the authorities or the mafia are persecuting one of our colleagues.” [Read more]