Russian news agency RIA Novosti is forced to close its office in Greece after the country’s Foreign Ministry refused to extend the accreditation of the agency’s chief correspondent, Gennadi Melnik. The reason for this decision was not disclosed by the relevant diplomatic official. Last year, the journalist received his accreditation with a delay.
The media company Rossija Sewodnja, to which the news agency belongs, described the decision of the Greek Ministry as a severe violation of press freedom. It is indeed a removal of a Russian medium from the EU country. Moreover, this is a breach of the principles of democracy, as Greece often portrays itself as a cradle of democracy.
The RIA Novosti office was opened in the run-up to the 2004 Summer Olympics. Over the years, it has been one of the main sources for Russians to learn about life and events in Greece. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine war three years ago, the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has increasingly restricted the activities of Russian state media. They have been denied access to various events, including international ones, more frequently.
In early 2022, Greece blocked the news agency Sputnik, which also belongs to Rossija Sewodnja and the television channel RT. Dozens of Greek Sputnik employees lost their jobs. Access to the websites and social media of Russian state media was blocked.
In December, the RIA Novosti Telegram channel was also blocked in the EU country, with the authorities citing violations of local law, but without providing specific examples. Other Russian state media were also affected.
The Russian government has repeatedly condemned such actions in the EU, stating that it is an attempt by the West to silence alternative opinions and perspectives.