Independent TV channel Dozhd removed from Kremlin press pool due to coverage of pro-Navalny protests

The independent Russian television channel Dozhd has been removed from the Kremlin press pool, two sources from the channel told Meduza.

This was later confirmed by Dozhd editor-in-chief Tikhon Dzyadko. “Yes, several weeks ago we were informed that our correspondent no longer works in the pool,” he said.

Meduza notes that Dozhd’s correspondent hasn’t been taking part in Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov’s daily press briefings since May 13.

According to Meduza’s sources, Dozhd was excluded from the presidential press pool due to its in-depth coverage of opposition politician Alexey Navalny’s return from Germany and the unauthorized pro-Navalny demonstrations that took place following his arrest.

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov later confirmed to Meduza that Dozhd was removed from the presidential press pool due to its coverage of rallies in support of Navalny. “Yes, unfortunately it’s connected. In those days the channel supported illegal actions,” Peskov said.

In April 2021, Dozhd changed the date of a concert marking its 11th anniversary because it fell on the same day as a pro-Navalny rally.

On June 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin will have his first face-to-face meeting with Joe Biden since the latter took office as U.S. President — this will be the first high-level event in a long time where Dozhd journalists won’t be accredited to attend.