Dave Frenkel, a journalist from Latvia-based independent online newspaper Meduza, was arbitrarily refused entry to Georgia after his news website was blocked within Russia over its reporting on the war in Ukraine. Frenkel had been travelling with his wife when they were detained at the Georgian border for 14-hours. After multiple negotiations, the border control was told to not let him through on orders from “higher-up.” Frenkel later said he believed the decision was taken over his media outlet’s reporting on the war in Ukraine and the Russian authorities blocks on the news website. Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor restricted access to Meduza’s website in Russia on March 4. The refusal to allow entry came a few days after another Russian journalist, the anchor of now-suspended independent TV Dozhd, received a similar rejection. The Russian Interior Ministry has not issued public comments on Frenkel’s case.

1 case
10.03.2022
Europe: Georgia
Restrictions on access to information: Travel restrictions / access bans