International Federation of Journalists suspends Russian union

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today suspended the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) from membership following a vote of the Federation’s global Executive Committee — for acting “in a manner contrary to the principles or objects…..of the Federation”.

The decision was taken following an investigation in to the conduct of the RUJ since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the formation of RUJ branches in occupied Ukrainian territories.

It took place following the announcement of the unions of Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland about their withdrawal from the federation in protest of the Russian union’s corruption, lack of transparency, and intolerance.

Int’l Federation of Journalists to expel Russia after four countries walk out in protest

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, the Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine (IMTUU) submitted an urgent request demanding that the Russian Union of Journalists be expelled from the IFJ, citing Russian journalists’ involvement in propaganda activities.

Furthermore, in May 2022, the association of Ukrainian media, journalists, and public organizations, “Mediarukh,” petitioned the IFJ to expel the Russian Union of Journalists from its ranks as the Russian union is a structure utterly dependent on the Russian dictatorial regime.

The IFJ condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from the start and directed the resources of its Safety Fund to assist Ukrainian media workers.

The IFJ Congress in Oman in June 2022 passed a resolution condemning Russian disinformation on the war in Ukraine.

The Congress also expressed support and solidarity with the Russian Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers. At the moment, it supports 15 people and three journalists currently imprisoned in Russia.