"We will try to work as long as possible"

Natalia Sindeeva - about the blocking of "rain" during the war

In Russia, at the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the sites of “rain” and “Echo of Moscow” were blocked , the radio station was also disconnected from the air. The department believes that both media distribute “extremist materials”, as well as “purposefully and systematically” publish “knowingly false information about the actions of the Russian military as part of a special operation to protect the DPR and LPR”. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine , this is not the first time of blocking independent media - the country is already inaccessible in the country, Taiga.info, New Times, the DOXA student magazine and several more publications. The “Medusa” spoke about the blocking, which is difficult to call the Founder and CEO of Rain Natalya Sindeeva.

Natalia Sindeeva

Founder and General Director of Rain

Usually [Roskomnadzor] sends a letter with a request to block this or that material. After that, you have a day to remove it. If you do not remove it, then they block it. [Now] we did not have such letters.

We tried to observe [the demand of the Russian authorities not to call a “special military operation” in Ukraine by war or invasion], but it is clear that the speakers are not. It is clear that all guests say as they see fit. But, let's say, the requirements that were, it was impossible to observe. But, in general, they tried to comply with these requirements.

Of course, we discussed [the probability of blocking]. But, as in the case of “in agent”, it is impossible to prepare for this. It is never possible to be prepared for a bad plan.

We will look at the situation. Where we can, we will broadcast. Where we can transmit the signal, we will transmit.

My mood is very normal, calm, worker. Because we are doing megavia work now. Important not [only] in order to simply inform people. For a large number of people who are horrified by this war, from everything that happens in Russia, and in Ukraine, in Belarus, and in the world, “rain” becomes not even media, but partly that we are all together - I am not alone in the kitchen and suffering, “rain” gives this feeling of unity. Therefore, of course, we will do everything that depends on us, and we will try to work as long as possible.

Recorded Kristina Safonova