Russia Bans Independent Broadcaster Dozhd as "Undesirable"

Russian authorities have designated the independent news channel Dozhd as an "undesirable" organization, banning its work in Russia and criminalizing engagement with the broadcaster. The Prosecutor General's Office accused Dozhd of violating media laws, employing individuals labeled as "foreign agents," and distributing content from banned organizations. Dozhd has taken measures to protect Russia-based viewers from prosecution and is determining its next legal steps. Russian officials suggest that the decision to label Dozhd as "undesirable" should have been made earlier, as the government tightens control over critical media outlets ahead of regional and presidential elections. Dozhd relocated to Latvia and Georgia after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and currently operates from the Netherlands. Russia has used the "undesirable" organizations law to target independent news outlets, NGOs, and educational institutions.