Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Russia Labels Deutsche Welle Undesirable
Russia has labeled the German news organization Deutsche Welle as an 'undesirable organization.'
This means that Russian citizens who work with or support Deutsche Welle could go to prison for up to five years.
The Russian government says Deutsche Welle is a threat to their country's security and spreads disinformation.
Deutsche Welle, however, says this is an attempt to silence independent media.
The decision was announced on December 16 by Russia's Ministry of Justice.
Russia has also shut down Deutsche Welle's Moscow office and revoked the accreditation of its staff.
Deutsche Welle is funded by German taxpayers but operates independently and provides content in 32 languages.
Russia's Ministry of Justice labeled Deutsche Welle an 'undesirable organization' on December 16.
Russian citizens working with or funding Deutsche Welle face up to five years in prison.
Russia accuses Deutsche Welle of spreading disinformation and undermining national security.
Deutsche Welle's Director General called the designation an attempt to silence independent media.
Russia's list of 'undesirable organizations' includes over 275 entities, including prominent news outlets and advocacy groups.
- Who
- Russia's Ministry of Justice
- What
- Designated Deutsche Welle as an 'undesirable organization'
- When
- December 16
- Where
- Russia
- Why
- For allegedly undermining national security and spreading disinformation
Russian Government
Deutsche Welle
Designation as Undesirable
Russian Government
Deutsche Welle is an undesirable organization that undermines national security and spreads disinformation.
Deutsche Welle
The designation is an attempt to silence independent media and restrict access to information.
- Organization
- Deutsche Welle
- Country
- Russia
- Designation
- Undesirable organization
- Penalty
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Date
- December 16
- Number of Undesirable Organizations
- 275+
- Deutsche Welle's Languages
- 32
