SPIEF denied accreditation to journalists from unfriendly countries – Kommersant

The organizers of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) refused accreditation to journalists from unfriendly countries. Information to The Bell (recognized as a foreign agent) was confirmed by the press secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov.

Journalists from two Western publications (which ones are not specified) told The Bell that on June 1 their employees received confirmation of accreditation at SPIEF. Today, however, journalists received letters rejecting applications. The reason was not specified. Dmitry Peskov also did not name her in a commentary to the publication.

SPIEF will be held from 14 to 17 June. The theme of the forum: “Sovereign development is the basis of a just world, let’s join forces for the sake of future generations.” The program includes 140 events. As The Bell notes, for the first time in the history of the forum, foreign journalists will not visit SPIEF.

Until 2021 in rules SPIEF stated that the registration application for participation in the forum can be received by “both Russian and foreign media representatives.” In addition, the organizing committee could refuse accreditation in several cases: if the application was not submitted by representatives of the media, if the media specializes in “purely advertising, reference” topics, or “without explanation.”

IN okay issuance of accreditation for participation in SPIEF 2023, foreign journalists are not mentioned. The column “denial of accreditation” does not indicate the conditions for refusal. According to the updated rules, the organizing committee has the right to refuse without explanation.

Lusine Balasyan