Russia adds CPJ to its list of ‘undesirable organizations’

New York, May 19, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists has been included on a Russian government list of “undesirable organizations” — a label used to suppress media outlets, NGOs, and other independent voices that the Kremlin deems a threat to its narrative control. CPJ, which was not notified of the decision or the reasons behind it, calls on Russia to reverse the ban. 

CPJ was added to the Russian Ministry of Justice’s list on May 12, according to the ministry’s website, having been designated “undesirable” by the Russian prosecutor general’s office on April 28. Hundreds of other organizations globally are already on the list, including other press freedom groups and media outlets.

“By including the Committee to Protect Journalists on its list of ‘undesirable organizations’, the Kremlin is once again showing its determination to repress journalism and stop Russian citizens from having access to independent information,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “Journalism is not a crime, and neither is defending it. CPJ will continue to document Russia’s flagrant violations of press freedom, at home and abroad, to seek accountability for those responsible, and to support independent journalists pushing back against the relentless tide of Kremlin propaganda.”

Under a 2015 law, organizations classified as “undesirable” are banned from operating in Russia. The law is particularly threatening to anyone inside Russia seen as cooperating with these organizations or their activities, who can face up to six years in prison and administrative fines. The designation also makes it a crime to distribute the organization’s content or donate to it from inside or outside Russia.

CPJ, which does not have any presence in Russia, contacted the Russian Ministry of Justice for comment but did not immediately receive a reply.