Alexander Ionov files complaint against Novaya Gazeta with Russian Investigative Committee

Alexander Ionov, the founder of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, has filed a complaint with the Russian Investigative Committee against the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, asking the agency to protect his interests under the Criminal Code article for slander (Article 128.1). Ionov is also preparing a civil suit against the publication. 

On Facebook, Ionov wrote that he appealed to state investigators over an article Novaya Gazeta published on June 28, titled “Shakespeare and Schubert undermine Russia.” The article, which covers Russia’s decision to designate the American university Bard College as an “undesirable organization,” claims that Ionov received funding from the United States.

As reported by Meduza, Ionov played a role in initiating an appeal that led the Russian authorities to blacklist Bard College as “undesirable.”

In addition to appealing to the Investigative Committee, Ionov announced that he’s going to look into Novaya Gazeta’s compliance with Russia’s “foreign agent” legislation, “within the framework of the activities of the Public Committee for Identifying Foreign Interference.” Ionov announced the founding of this group back in May. 

Alexander Ionov became widely known earlier this year after he filed a complaint with Russia’s censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, that led to Meduza being recognized as a “foreign agent” within a matter of days.