In December, the Russian government revoked the citizenship of Roman Anin, founder of IStories and a member of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The government accused Anin’s outlet of fabricating reports concerning war crimes allegedly committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Anin, who originally hails from Moldova and obtained Russian citizenship in 2006, has stated his reporting will continue.
“It will not affect my work in any way,” Anin told ICIJ.
Escalating Repression
The revocation follows a sentence handed down last year, in absentia, to Anin and former IStories colleague Ekaterina Fomina: 8.5 years in prison. This sentencing stemmed from their reporting on Russian soldiers’ actions in Andriivka, near Kyiv, in 2022, where soldiers allegedly killed Ukrainian civilians. Their investigation included a confession from a Russian officer stating his commander ordered the killings. IStories also reported on the presence of Russian paratroopers in Bucha during another massacre of civilians.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) characterized the revocation of Anin’s citizenship as “transnational repression” by the Russian state against journalists and independent media. Jeanne Cavalier, head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, stated that stripping Anin of his citizenship represents “an escalating strategy of intimidation that reaches journalists in their places of exile.”
A History of Pressure
This is not the first instance of conflict between Anin and Russian authorities. In 2021, his home was raided by Federal Security Service officers following a report on a luxury yacht linked to an ally of Vladimir Putin. Anin subsequently left Russia and has not returned. The Russian government then designated him a “foreign agent” and, in 2022, labeled IStories an “undesirable” organization, effectively criminalizing collaboration with the outlet.
In 2022, the Russian parliament adopted laws criminalizing the dissemination of “fakes” and actions deemed to “discredit” the army. A subsequent law passed in 2023 expanded the grounds for citizenship revocation to include these offenses. Anin acknowledged that “repressions are intensifying.”
Despite these pressures, IStories continues its work, including investigations into the deportation of Ukrainian orphans from occupied territories. Anin views the government’s actions – including passport denials and citizenship revocations – as a “weapon against its opponents.” He also expressed a sense of validation, stating, “If such a state revokes someone’s citizenship, well then it means that I’m on the right side of history.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Russian government to revoke Roman Anin’s citizenship?
The Russian government accused IStories, founded by Roman Anin, of fabricating reports about war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
What has been the response from international organizations?
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called the revocation of Anin’s citizenship an act of “transnational repression” and an escalation of intimidation tactics against journalists.
Has Roman Anin faced previous issues with Russian authorities?
Yes, in 2021, his home was raided, and he was later designated a “foreign agent.” IStories was designated an “undesirable” organization in 2022.
Given the increasing restrictions on independent media in Russia, what challenges might journalists like Roman Anin face in continuing their work?
