Russia: British Journalist May Return If He Follows Rules

Russia says expelled British journalist may return if he follows rules

By Kathy Lally

Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, February 8, 2011; 1:06 PM

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MOSCOW - The Russian Foreign Ministry, in its first statement about an expelled British newspaper correspondent, said Tuesday evening that he could return to Russia if he complies with accreditation rules.

The Guardian correspondent, Luke Harding, who had written a number of articles about high-level corruption and other sensitive issues, was put in an airport cell and then on a plane back to London after returning Saturday from a two-month absence with a valid visa.

The Foreign Ministry said that although Harding received a visa extension through May in November, he left the country "for London for his own business without receiving a foreign correspondent press card issued in his name." It said he could work in Russia until his visa expires if he resolves the accreditation issues, according to the Interfax news agency.

Earlier in the day, the Glasnost Defense Foundation, which documents the murders, beatings and harassment of journalists in Russia, suggested the expulsion was meant to send a warning.

"It is a ritual of political pressure carried out by our most mighty secret services," said Alexei Simonov, president of the foundation. "It shows all others they are under surveillance and if they think of themselves as being free, the secret services are showing them their place. It is a sign for you and Russian journalists as well."

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ENDS

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