1

Carola Schneider, ORF Moscow Bureau Chief, Expelled from Russia

Background and Career

Carola Schneider, born on April 19, 1972, is an Austrian journalist who has worked for ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) in various roles. She headed the ORF bureau in Moscow from 2011 to 2021 and returned to the position again in 2023.

Recent Developments

On October 13, 2023, the Russian Foreign Ministry revoked Carola Schneider's accreditation and ordered her to leave the country. This decision follows years of tension between Russia and Austria, including the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Austria in 2018.

Russia's Justification and Austria's Response

According to Russian authorities, Schneider's accreditation was revoked due to her "unprofessional and biased reporting" on Russia. The Austrian government, however, has expressed its support for Schneider and condemned Russia's actions as an attack on press freedom.

Impact on ORF and Journalism

Schneider's expulsion has raised concerns about the increasing suppression of independent journalism in Russia. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by foreign journalists working in countries with authoritarian regimes.

ORF has stated that it will continue to report on Russia objectively and independently despite the expulsion of its Moscow correspondent.

Conclusion

The expulsion of Carola Schneider from Russia serves as a stark reminder of the importance of press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on authoritarian governments. The international community must continue to condemn such actions and support the work of independent journalists around the world.

1