On 7 October 2022, Russia’s media censor and watchdog Roskomnadzor blocked access to “Ekho”, a news website created by the former team of Echo of Moscow, an independent radio which was forced to close following the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Roskomnadzor did not explain the exact reasons behind the decision, citing only alleged violations of Russian media law.

Several Echo of Moscow journalists were prosecuted by authorities under laws forbidding the “discreditation” of the Russian Armed Forces.