The Telegram channel From Karelia with freedom is ceasing operations after its creator, journalist Valery Potashov, was added to the 'foreign agents' registry by the Ministry of Justice.
'I do not intend to accept this label, as I consider it degrading to my civic and human dignity. However, I understand that the operation of the Telegram channel From Karelia with freedom, which I created after the start of the war in Ukraine, is now practically impossible. I do not want to put my colleagues and activists who supported it at risk of persecution, and I am stopping the channel's release. Thank you for being with us! Stay free,' wrote Potashov.
On July 8, 2025, the journalist's premises were searched on suspicion of connections with the publication 'Novaya Gazeta. Europe', which is recognized as an 'undesirable' organization in Russia. Last summer, he was already searched in a case related to cooperation with 'Radio Free Europe'*.
On July 11, the Ministry of Justice declared him a 'foreign agent', accusing the journalist of an anti-war stance, discrediting the Russian authorities, and collaborating with 'foreign agents' and 'undesirable' organizations. 'If I was ever any kind of agent, it was only for Karelia, where all my roots are,' wrote Potashov. The journalist has left Russia.
* Recognized in Russia as a 'foreign agent' and 'undesirable' organization.