Russia’s Supreme Court has declared regional media outlet Komi Daily a terrorist organisation – the first time such a designation has been applied to a publication. 

The Federal Security Service (FSB) added Komi Daily to its terrorist organisations list, citing alleged ties to the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum, a group advocating the dissolution of the Russian Federation. The outlet has denied any connection, while the FSB claims Komi Daily is one of 172 structural units allegedly affiliated with the forum.

This landmark decision, finalised in late December, is the latest intensification in the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to suppress dissent, particularly from independent media critical of the government.

The Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum promotes the so-called decentralisation and decolonisation of Russia, aiming to dismantle the federation into autonomous states. The group, founded by Ukrainian entrepreneur Oleg Magaletsky, and chaired by exiled Bashkir activist Ruslan Gabbasov, was previously designated "undesirable" and later "terrorist" by Russian authorities. Prosecutors claim the forum supports terrorism and sabotage, while advocating for Komi Republic's independence – as well as the independence of many of Russian Republics – as part of its agenda.

Komi Daily, which focuses on the culture and life of the Komi Republic, is now known for criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has faced mounting state pressure. Its website was blocked for publishing controversial materials, and its editor was fined under incitement laws. Currently operating from abroad, the outlet continues to report on the Komi Republic without censorship. It has, however, flatly denied any links to the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum.

This move by the FSB is the latest in the widespread crackdown against independent journalism in Russia. As state control tightens, many journalists have fled abroad, including those advocating for independence for parts of Russia.