WANTED. Russia issues arrest warrant against Barents Observer journalist Denis Zagore

Zagore’s name appeared in the Russian Interior Ministry’s database on 21 September. Later, the Investigative Committee in Murmansk confirmed to a local Telegram news channel that Zagore is accused under articles related to involvement with an organisation designated as "undesirable" by Russian authorities, as well as failing to comply with the legal requirements for "foreign agents."

"I can’t say this came as a surprise, given that the actions of the Russian state are quite predictable, and the initiation of criminal cases was only a matter of time," Zagore commented on the persecution. "I don’t intend to change anything in my life because of this. Besides, they could have found me without declaring me wanted."

The Murmansk Regional Investigative Committee has also filed a motion with the court to detain Zagore in absentia, according to a press release from the agency:
"The illegal activities of the individual were uncovered through joint efforts by investigators from the Investigative Committee and operational officers of the FSB in the Murmansk Region."

Zagore’s persecution is linked to his journalistic work at the Barents Observer. In February 2025, Russia’s General Prosecutor’s Office declared the newspaper an "undesirable organisation." Since then, Russian courts have repeatedly held Zagore administratively liable for collaborating with an "undesirable organisation."

In October 2025, the Russian Ministry of Justice added Zagore to the registry of "foreign agents." Subsequently, he has also faced administrative charges for failing to comply with the obligations tied to this status.

Zagore is the third Barents Observer journalist to face criminal prosecution by Russian authorities. Half of the staff of the Norwegian newspaper is now on the "wanted list" of Russia's repressive police state. 

In July of this year, journalist Olesia Krivtsova was sentenced in absentia to six years in a general-regime penal colony on charges of "justifying terrorism" and "discrediting" the Russian army. In September 2025, the Ministry of Justice designated her a "foreign agent." Krivtsova has since been fined multiple times for failing to fulfill her obligations as a "foreign agent" and for "LGBT propaganda."

In 2025, journalist Farida Kurbangaleeva was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for "spreading false information" about the Russian army and "justifying terrorism." In 2024, she was also added to the "foreign agents" registry. Additionally, last year, the Russian Ministry of Justice requested her extradition from the Czech Republic.

Journalist Georgii Chentemirov has also faced administrative persecution. He was charged with "participating in the activities of an undesirable organisation" and fined 5,000 rubles (€52). Chentemirov was added to the "foreign agents" registry in the spring of 2023.