The Russian authorities have designated Cyprus Daily News as a “foreign agent.” We view this as recognition of our work.
The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation has added Cyprus Daily News to the register of “foreign agents”—a mechanism that Russian authorities systematically use against independent media, journalists, and civil society organizations that dare to speak the truth about Russia and its crimes.
The particular absurdity of the situation lies in the fact that the status of “foreign agent” has been assigned to a foreign publication registered in the EU, operating in accordance with European law, and having no connection whatsoever to Russian jurisdiction. We do not operate in Russia. We are not registered in Russia. We do not require permission from the Russian authorities to practice journalism.
This is as absurd as if the Moscow police were to issue a fine to a pedestrian in Paris for jaywalking across the Champs-Élysées.
The Kremlin’s logic is clear: to limit the dissemination of our information among the Russian audience and to push us out of the Russian information space. To this end, the Russian state apparatus is attempting to reach beyond its own borders and erect a barrier against independent information.
The editorial staff of Cyprus Daily News is proud of this.
We view this decision as confirmation that our journalism is being noticed, that it has an impact, and that it is achieving its goal. The Russian authorities label those whose voices are inconvenient to them as “foreign agents.” This registry includes dozens of human rights organizations, independent newsrooms, and hundreds of honest journalists. To be among them is to be in good company.
When an independent Cypriot publication forces Moscow to react, it means only one thing: people are reading us. Including in Russia and even in the Kremlin. And that means we are taken seriously.
We will continue to do our job: covering events that are important to Cyprus and everyone who follows what is happening in the region. Without self-censorship. Without looking over our shoulders at Moscow.
And now—with official confirmation from the Russian authorities that our work truly matters.
If our journalistic reports are forcing the Russian state apparatus to react to our work—then our journalism is working as it should.
The Cyprus Daily News editorial team thanks its readers for their support and continues its work.
The Cyprus Daily News Editorial Team