Dozhd, banned Russian TV channel begins YouTube broadcasts from abroad

UKRAINE: Dozhd, a Russian TV station which was banned by the government in March after they cracked down on independent media outlets following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, began broadcasting from abroad on Monday.

The station began broadcasting a news program hosted by its editor, chief and top anchor Tikhon Dzyadko through its YouTube channel at 1700 GMT.

Dozhd suspended its operations after authorities intercepted broadcasts containing critical coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Similar bans were imposed on various other independent media outlets. Several journalists decided to go into exile to avoid being prosecuted under the new law. A prison term of up to 15 years is the penalty for publishing false information about the Russian Military, under the new law.

Dozhd, like other media outlets, decided to base itself in neighbouring Latvia, stating that they had a license to broadcast in the European Union, having studios in Amsterdam, Paris and Tbilisi, AFP reported.

"During the four and a half months that Dozhd wasn't operating a bloody and senseless war waged by Russian leaders against Ukraine has continued and people died and lives were destroyed," the TV station said in a statement.

"Today, more than ever, Russian citizens should have access to independent information," said the statement, adding that the conflict "destroys Ukrainian cities and the future of Russia."

It said it will gradually increase its activities by broadcasting through social media and TV.

TV Dozhd was launched in 2008 and has actively covered the opposition in Russia along with protest movements.

It was labelled a "foreign agent" in 2021, subject to heavy administrative restrictions, and being at risk of heavy fines and bans.