International Federation of Journalists Decides to Permanently Expel Russia

The International Federation of Journalists has decided to permanently expel the Union of Journalists of Russia (UJR). According to DeVe, the official reason for the expulsion is the establishment of branches of the UJR in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine in 2022.

The Union of Journalists of Russia stated in its announcement that it considers this step by the international organization to be politically motivated and lacking professional grounds. The organization added that it does not intend to appeal this decision.

As Vladimir Solovyov, the head of the UJR, informed the RIA Novosti agency, the decision for expulsion was made during the ongoing congress of the International Federation of Journalists in Paris. According to Solovyov, the Russian side had been invited but deemed it inappropriate to participate, having presented its position in advance and pointed out violations of the federation's statutory principles.

The UJR's membership had already been suspended in 2023 due to actions contrary to the federation's goals and principles. At that time, the organization stated that establishing branches in annexed territories undermined professional unity and international solidarity. The president of the federation, Dominique Pradalier, emphasized that such actions are contrary to the values of the organization.

The International Federation of Journalists, headquartered in Brussels, was founded in 1926. It is the largest journalism organization in the world, comprising 187 associations from over 140 countries.