The Union of Journalists of Abkhazia Condemns Russia’s ‘Foreign Agent’ Label for Inal Khashig
The Union of Journalists of Abkhazia has issued a statement in response to the Russian Ministry of Justice's recent decision to designate Inal Khashig, a prominent Abkhaz journalist and political analyst, as a "foreign agent."
The statement refutes the allegations made against Khashig, emphasising that his work has focused solely on Abkhazian affairs and Abkhaz-Russian relations. It also highlights concerns over press freedom and urges the Abkhazian authorities to defend the rights of their citizen. The Union further condemns the practice of imposing sanctions on Abkhaz journalists who operate within their own country in accordance with its laws.
The full statement reads as follows:
Statement by the Union of Journalists of Abkhazia
On 7 March 2025, reports in the Russian media revealed that the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation had included independent Abkhaz journalist Inal Khashig in the list of individuals designated as “foreign agents.” The justification for this decision stated: “I. N. Khashig disseminated false information about decisions made by public authorities of the Russian Federation and their policies, as well as about the electoral system. He also engaged with foreign political figures.”
We wish to emphasise that journalist Inal Khashig, a citizen of the Republic of Abkhazia, has exclusively written and spoken on matters concerning the activities of Abkhazian authorities. The workings of Russian public authorities, let alone its electoral system, have never been within the scope of his attention. His analysis of Russian politics has been strictly within the context of Abkhaz-Russian relations. Therefore, we would welcome a more detailed explanation from those responsible for this decision, clarifying what exactly the Russian Ministry of Justice is referring to.
Regarding his alleged contacts with foreign political figures, we note that the entire journalistic community of Abkhazia, as well as state and public figures in our country, have the legal right to communicate with foreigners, including Russian nationals, to conduct interviews and obtain information necessary for their professional work.
Inal Khashig’s contributions as a political analyst across various platforms have consistently focused on the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict and its consequences, a topic that has been central to Abkhazian media and public discourse for more than 30 years.
As the editor of Chegemskaya Pravda, a newspaper officially registered with the Ministry of Justice of Abkhazia, Khashig carries out his journalistic work in full compliance with the Law on Mass Media and other legislation of the Republic of Abkhazia. Consequently, Abkhazian authorities have never had any grievances regarding his activities.
In light of the above, the Union of Journalists of Abkhazia calls on the Abkhazian authorities to stand in defence of the rights of their citizen.
The Union of Journalists considers it unacceptable for a friendly yet neighbouring state to impose sanctions on Abkhazian journalists who carry out their professional duties within their own country and in accordance with its laws.
See also:
+ Sergey Markedonov: “Instead of fostering dialogue, we are silencing those who ask difficult questions.”
+ Maxim Shevchenko: "How Will Gunba React to the Russian Ministry of Justice’s Decision?"