Czech investigative journalism NGO Fond 19/29 declared “undesirable organization” in Russia

The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has declared “undesirable” the activities of Sdružení investigativních novinářů — Fond 19/29, z.s. (Community of Investigative Journalists — Foundation 19/29), a Czechia-based organization that supports investigative journalism. As the agency stated, the foundation is a member of the U.S.-based Global Investigative Journalism Network, participates in the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum, and cooperates with the Ukrainian Network Association of Investigative Journalists. All three organizations were previously deemed “undesirable” in Russia.

“As per the foundation's charter, its objectives are to provide conditions for the unimpeded work of journalists and assist media representatives in their investigations. In reality, the organization is focused on denigrating Russia, including through publishing materials on the Internet, and implementing programs and projects that discredit our country's policy and leadership,” the Prosecutor General's Office said.

It is noted that the Sdružení investigativních novinářů NGO was established in the Czech Republic in 2015 to continue the activities of the Russia-based Foundation for Support of Investigative Journalism — Foundation 19/29, ahead of the latter's liquidation in 2016.