French journalist banned from Russia: "They made me pay for my reporting" • FRANCE 24 English

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided YouTube video transcript:

Key Concepts

• Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: The UN designated day highlights the lack of accountability for crimes committed against journalists.
• Press Freedom Predators: A list compiled by Reporters Without Borders identifying individuals and entities that suppress press freedom.
• FSB (Federal Security Service of Russia): Russia's primary domestic security agency, implicated in surveillance and expulsion of foreign journalists.
• Expulsion and Bans: The act of a foreign journalist being forced to leave a country and prohibited from re-entry, often for an extended period.
• Accreditation and Press Visas: Official permits required for foreign journalists to work in a country, which can be revoked or not renewed.
• Surveillance: The act of monitoring individuals, particularly by state security agencies, to gather information.
• Self-Censorship: Journalists voluntarily restricting their reporting due to fear of repercussions, even without direct orders.
• Independent Russian Media: Media outlets operating outside of state control, often working from exile due to pressure within Russia.
• Anonymous Sources: Individuals providing information to journalists without revealing their identity to protect themselves.
• Psychosis: A widespread state of fear and paranoia affecting the population, leading to reluctance to speak to the press.

Summary of Transcript

Julian Calling's Expulsion and the Climate for Foreign Journalists in Russia

The video begins by referencing the UN designated day to end impunity for crimes against journalists, noting that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is on Reporters Without Borders' list of "press freedom predators." The focus then shifts to the challenging environment for journalists in Russia, exemplified by the experience of Julian Calling, a former Moscow correspondent for French media.

Calling recounts his expulsion from Russia in September, where he was banned from the territory for five years by the FSB. While he was aware of being under surveillance, the five-year ban was a significant shock, as it was one of the first instances of such a severe penalty for a French correspondent, though a BBC journalist had previously received a lifetime ban. Other foreign correspondents have also faced difficulties, with their accreditations or press visas being revoked or not extended. Calling views these actions as a deliberate strategy by Russia to limit and reduce the presence of Western correspondents.

He details two instances of being arrested while reporting in the Russian regions earlier in the year: once in March in the Ksk region and again in May near the Finnish border. He believes these arrests and his subsequent expulsion were a consequence of his extensive travel and reporting outside of Moscow, as Russian authorities are averse to journalists seeking to portray the "real Russia." Calling states that he was essentially made to "pay for his reporting" and sees no other wrongdoing on his part beyond performing his journalistic duties.

The expulsion and ban are interpreted as a signal to other remaining French and Western colleagues, conveying a message of caution: "Be careful. We're watching you. We are looking what you're doing. We are following your every move and don't try to do anything maybe too in-depth or talk about certain topics like soldiers, you know, grieving families, the war basically. This is now off limits." This creates an increasingly difficult environment for journalists, with Russian journalists facing even greater risks.

Surveillance and the Intensification of Pressure Since 2022

Calling confirms that surveillance is a common experience for foreign correspondents in Moscow. He notes that this situation significantly worsened after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He references the case of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter arrested in March 2023, who spent a year and a half in prison before being exchanged. Gershkovich was aware of his apartment being bugged and that he was being followed for months prior to his arrest.

This surveillance, particularly by the FSB and individuals following journalists, is a constant factor for both permanent correspondents and those on short-term visas. The pressure is amplified in the Russian regions, where authorities are particularly sensitive to foreign journalists' presence. Journalists often observe teams following them from a distance and "strange people" sitting near them in restaurants during interviews or meetings, serving as a visible reminder that they are being watched. This creates a tense atmosphere, forcing journalists to engage in self-censorship regarding specific topics and regions deemed off-limits. The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Russia and Western countries are expected to further exacerbate these difficulties.

The Greater Risks Faced by Russian Journalists

When comparing the pressures faced by foreign correspondents and Russian journalists, Calling asserts that it is "much harder and much riskier" for Russian journalists. He explains that most independent Russian journalists have already left the country and are now operating in exile, with independent Russian media outlets functioning from countries like Poland and Germany. These exiled media continue to produce vital reporting from Russia by working with anonymous freelancers and individuals on the ground who take significant risks.

These individuals, possessing Russian passports, are in a more vulnerable position. While Western journalists may have some degree of protection, Russian journalists are "out in the open" and face immediate risks of arrest or imprisonment for continuing their work, contacting sources, or gathering information. The fear extends to Russian sources themselves, who are increasingly wary of speaking to any journalists, fearing severe consequences, including prison or fines, for saying the "wrong thing." This creates a pervasive "psychosis" in Russia, making it extremely difficult for anyone to speak to the press. Calling expresses admiration for the courage of Russian media still producing reports from within the country.

The Resilience of Reporting Amidst Repression

Despite the climate of fear and pressure, Calling believes that "stories are getting out," largely due to the efforts of Russian independent media. These outlets primarily communicate with sources from abroad, utilizing encrypted messengers like Signal. They manage to obtain information on sensitive topics such as the deaths of Russian soldiers, grieving families, and the wives of mobilized soldiers – subjects that the Russian security services actively discourage. Media outlets like Nova Gazetta and Meduza are cited as examples of those producing significant reports on these issues.

However, Calling acknowledges that the level of reporting is not what it was before the war. There is more censorship, and individuals are more cautious. Western correspondents and those entering and exiting Russia, such as reporters from The New York Times and The Washington Post, also continue to produce important stories, aided by courageous fixers and sources within Russia. The key takeaway is that while information is still emerging, it is at a significantly reduced volume, and journalists must exercise extreme caution in their language and reporting methods.

Julian Calling concludes by emphasizing the importance of this work and his intention to continue it from afar.