Dutch journalist Tom Vennink expelled from Russia

Dutch journalist Tom Vennink, a Moscow correspondent for the newspaper de Volkskrant, has been expelled from Russia. In an interview with de Volkskrant, Vennink said that on Monday, November 1, the Russian authorities gave him three days to leave the country.

According to Vennink, he was expelled over two administrative offenses. The first fine was handed down to him in 2019, for failing to notify law enforcement that he had changed his place of residence in Moscow. The journalist was fined for a second time in 2020, for visiting Chukotka without seeking permission from the local authorities ahead of time. Vennink underscored that he paid both fines. He also noted that his Russian visa was renewed without any problems last year, despite the prior administrative offenses.

At the same time, the journalist said that in 2021, he faced difficulties renewing his accreditation in Russia. For six years, the Russian Foreign Ministry had extended his accreditation for a period of one year, Vennink explained. But a month ago — after a difficult procedure — it was extended for just seven weeks.

Vennink made clear that the real reason for his expulsion may differ from official statements. In particular, he recalled the recent expulsion of BBC Moscow correspondent Sara Rainsford, and noted that relations between Russia and the Netherlands have worsened since the MH17 plane crash.