On 26th October 2021, Galina Timchenko, gave a lecture on how the restrictions on independent journalists imposed by the Russian government could affect the development of the journalism in the country.

She portrayed the evolution of the political landscape in Russia and introduced such novel concepts as the ‘new iron curtain’, ‘sleeping laws’ and ‘foreign agents’ which appeared quintessential for a media business in Russia. A particular emphasis was put on the idea of the new reality constructed by the official government-run media implying the creation of the ‘enemy face’ of the Western world. She also dwelled on possible outcomes of such restrictions for the media and IT businesses under siege, and suggested three ways of survival for the media labeled as ‘foreign agents’. Apart from that, the consequences that the repression of the media might produce on the society and journalism in the country, as well as possible scenarios of resistance to it were touched upon. The question whether independent media have a future in Russia remains the most controversial issue.

Moderator: prof. em. Dirk Voorhoof
(Human Rights Centre UGent, ECPMF en Legal Human Academy)

This event was co-organized with UGent Human Rights Research Network.