MDIF statement on being declared ‘undesirable’ in Russia

We regret the Russian Prosecutor-General’s decision to designate Media Development Investment Fund as an “undesirable” foreign organization. MDIF is an investment fund that has provided financing to high-quality, non-partisan media around the world for more than 20 years. Since 1998, it has worked with media companies in Russia, providing them with loans, equity and training in media management.

MDIF is proud of its record supporting the business development of some of Russia’s leading quality news companies. We reject the assertion that MDIF poses a threat to the Russian constitutional system and the state’s security, and believe that media that inform the public without fear or favor are important institutions that strengthen society and as such deserve support.