Russia Expels Austrian Journalist in Retaliation for Austria's Ban on Russian Journalist

Russia has ordered an Austrian journalist to leave the country in retaliation for Austria's expulsion of a Russian journalist. The move is the latest in a series of actions targeting foreign journalists in Russia.

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Monday ordered Austrian journalist Maria Knips-Witting to leave the country in response to Austria's expulsion of a journalist for Russian state news agency Tass. Knips-Witting, who has been based in Moscow since January, was ordered to hand over her accreditation and instructed to leave "in the near future."

The move is the latest in a series of actions targeting foreign journalists in Russia. Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich was arrested nearly 15 months ago on charges of espionage and remains in jail awaiting trial. U.S.-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was taken into custody in October 2023 for failing to register as a "foreign agent."

Eva Hartog, a Dutch journalist working for Politico, was denied a renewal of her visa in August 2023. In March, Xavier Colas of Spanish newspaper El Mundo said he was forced to leave the country when authorities denied him a new visa.

The tit-for-tat expulsions between Russia and Austria follow a pattern of increased tensions between the two countries. In April, Austria expelled four Russian diplomats in response to the war in Ukraine. Russia responded by expelling four Austrian diplomats.

The expulsion of foreign journalists is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia. In recent years, the Russian government has passed laws restricting freedom of speech and assembly. The government has also cracked down on independent media outlets, forcing many to close.

The expulsion of Knips-Witting is a further blow to press freedom in Russia. It sends a message to foreign journalists that they are not welcome in the country if they report critically on the government.

The expulsion of Knips-Witting has been condemned by the Austrian government and the International Federation of Journalists. The IFJ called on the Russian government to reverse its decision and allow Knips-Witting to continue her work in Russia.

The expulsion of Knips-Witting is a reminder of the importance of press freedom. Journalists play a vital role in holding governments accountable and informing the public. The expulsion of Knips-Witting is an attack on press freedom and on the right of the public to know.