Russia: “Journalism is a fight more necessary than ever and more difficult than ever”

In his book They bring journalism to life in Russia! published published by Petits Matins, Johann Bihr profiles 15 reporters. “I seek to present the journalists who, with incredible courage, continue to do their job (…) despite greater pressure than ever in Russia“, explains the author on franceinfo Monday, October 18.

“At least half of these 15 journalists are classified as foreign agents or members of a media that is. Working under this status means having to justify the use of every penny for personal gain. To buy a toothbrush, you have to report it to the State, which has an eye on everything “, underlines the former head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia office of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

“Journalism in Russia is a struggle more necessary than ever and more difficult than ever and these 15 portraits illustrate it.“, he insists.

“The Nobel Peace Prize awarded Novaya Gazeta journalist Dmitry Muratov is a sign of support for an editorial staff that lost six journalists, including Anna Politkovskaya 15 years ago. But on the same day the award was announced, eight other journalists were placed on this list of foreign agents. The future will show whether the Nobel Prize protects Novaïa Gazeta “, concludes Johann Bihr.