Russian authorities on Friday designated the Norwegian online news publication The Barents Observer as an undesirable organization, a day after Europes top human rights court ruled against its ban inside Russia.The Prosecutor Generals Office accused the Arctic-focused outlet of publishing anti-Russian contentwritten by exiled Russian citizens who are listed as foreign agents or terrorists and extremists.The articles are aimed at stirring dissent among residents of Russias northern regions, tightening anti-Russian sanctions and increasing NATOs military presence near our borders, the office said in a statement.Russian authorities also claimed The Barents Observer, which publishes both in English and Russian, is financed by foreign organizations already labeled undesirable in Russia, though it did not specify which organizations.The designation effectively bans the outlet from operating inside Russia and exposes its employees and affiliates to potential criminal prosecution.Barents Observer editor Thomas Nielsen linked the decision to Thursdays ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which found Russias 2019 decision to block the outlets website unlawful.There is no such thing as coincidence...
in regards to actions taken by the Kremlins repressive authorities, Nielsen told The Moscow Times in written comments.Yesterday afternoon, The Barents Observer won againstRussia in the European Court of Human Rights.
This morning, the Prosecutor General labeled us undesirable.The Barents Observer will continue to report...
about important developments in the Russian north, Nilsen added.Russia has used the undesirable designation to target independent media, opposition groups and foreign organizations since introducing the law in 2015.Mack Tubridy contributed reporting.