A spokesman for the Kremlin Dmitri Peskov announced on Sunday that journalists from ‘unfriendly countries’ were banned from covering St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) which is scheduled for mid June. The ban, announced just days before the event, effectively prohibits independent media organizations and critical journalists from reporting on one of Russia’s most prominent economic gatherings. No journalists from Western countries will be accredited to attend for the first time in history. Peskov stated “Yes, indeed. It was decided not to accredit media outlets from unfriendly countries to the SPIEF this time.”

Countries including the United States, Canada, European Union members and Australia are regarded as “unfriendly” in connection with sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. The move comes amidst growing concerns about media freedom in Russia and the arrests of several journalists on espionage charges. International human rights organizations have condemned such actions, with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) stating “This decision further underscores the Russian government’s disregard for media freedom and its attempts to silence independent voices”

The move has drawn sharp criticism from media freedom advocates who argue that, it further suppresses press freedom in the country. Critics further provide that Putin’s ban on journalists is an attempt to restrict access to information.The presidential spokesman defended the ban, citing security concerns and the need to ensure a “safe and productive” environment for forum participants.

As the international community monitors the situation, they call for protection of journalists’ rights to report on matters of public interest.