Russian courts in 2024 issued 81 fines under the administrative article for participation in the activities of an 'undesirable' organization to journalists and readers of publications that previously received this status, calculated by 'Mediazona'*.
Independent media led in 'undesirable' fines, overtaking religious organizations, for participation in which mass fines were imposed in previous years. Among the editorial offices, most protocols in 2024 concerned 'Meduza'** — 45. In second place is 'Radio Liberty'** — 12, followed by 'Dozhd'** — 9.
Almost half of all protocols were compiled based on materials from the 'E' Center of Yakutia: 23 — on 'Meduza', 7 — on 'Dozhd', 2 — on 'Important Stories'** and one — on Doxa***. Operatives found hyperlinks to banned editorial offices on social networks and compiled protocols. In December, the court immediately issued seven fines to the editor-in-chief of 'In Yakutia.ru' Elena Sokolova totaling 35 thousand rubles.
As noted by 'Mediazona', in most cases, fines were issued to journalists, editors, and experts, however, some protocols were for readers.
* Recognized in Russia as a 'foreign agent'.
** Recognized in Russia as 'foreign agents' and 'undesirable' organizations.
*** Recognized in Russia as an 'undesirable' organization.