The Insider’s Timur Olevsky has been placed on a wanted list in Russia

Timur Olevsky, the editor-in-chief of The Insider’s newsroom, has been placed on a wanted list in Russia, state-controlled RIA Novosti reported Friday.

The Russian Interior Ministry’s database explains that Olevsky is “wanted under an article of the Criminal Code.” In July, Olevsky became the subject of a criminal case over his involvement in the activities of an “undesirable organization” — meaning The Insider. Prosecutors said the case was based on three videos, the content of which allegedly promoted “anti-Russian rhetoric, fostered negative public opinion of Russia’s domestic and foreign policy, and discredited state authorities.”

Olevsky does not live in Russia.

The Insider and its investigative partner Bellingcat were declared “undesirable organizations” in Russia in July 2022, shortly after being recognized as “foreign agents.” At the time, the Prosecutor General’s Office claimed the work of both outlets “poses a threat to the constitutional order and security” of the Russian Federation.

Other media outlets that have received the designation include Novaya Gazeta Europe, The Moscow Times, and TV Rain.

The designation is merely one form of pressure used by the Russian state in its efforts to silence independent media — along with any other voices it deems a threat. Journalists at The Insider who are currently being persecuted for their work include investigative reporters Sergei Ezhov, Andrey Zayakin, Anastasia Mikhaylova, and Andrey Zakharov, as well as editor-in-chief Roman Dobrokhotov, who was the subject of a foiled kidnapping and murder plot orchestrated by the FSB.