FSB has linked the Komi Daily news website to a pro-Ukrainian group seeking to dismember Russia
Russia has designated the pro-separatist online news website Komi Daily as a terrorist organization.
The website was added to the list of terrorist groups curated by the Federal Security Service (FSB) in late December. The FSB classified Komi Daily as “a structural branch” of the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum (FNRF), a pro-Ukrainian group that advocates for the breakup of Russia into dozens of statelets along ethnic and regional lines.
The FNRF itself was banned as a terrorist organization by the Russian Supreme Court in November. The group’s co-founder and chief organizer is Ukrainian businessman and activist Oleg Magaletsky. Ukrainian and EU officials, as well as Russian anti-government activists, often attend the forum’s events.
Founded in 2018 by journalist Valera Ilyinov, Komi Daily describes itself as “decolonial media about Komi culture and identity.” It is currently run by journalists Lana Pylaeva and Tanya Chuprova, both of whom are based outside of Russia.
According to its mission statement, Komi Daily wants Russia’s northern Komi Republic to “gain sovereignty” and roll back its ties with Moscow. The website has also made statements in support of Ukraine.
Russia’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked access to Komi Daily’s website and associated social media pages. Ilyinov has been fined for spreading misinformation about the Russian army and hate speech.
In a statement on Saturday, Komi Daily denied any links to FNRF. “We will consult with human rights experts on the course of action,” the publication wrote on Telegram, vowing to continue its operations.
