Russia expelled Dutch correspondent Tom Vennink

Tom Vennink, the correspondent for Dutch daily de Volkskrant based in Moscow, was informed by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs on November 1 that both his residence permit and visa would be revoked, citing "administrative violations."

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the forced departure of Vennik "reeks of censorship" and sends a disturbing message to other international journalists based in Russia. 

Vennink attempted to renew his press accreditation at the Interior Ministry, which he had previously accomplished without issue when Russian authorities informed him in writing that they had revoked his visa and residence permit. In their notice to Vennink, the Russian authorities noted that he had paid fines to authorities twice. 

In 2019, Vennik paid a fine for failing to register his home address in Moscow after returning from another municipality, as he is required to do by law; in 2020, he paid a fine for failing to get permission from the Governor of Chukotka before visiting. According to de Volkskrant, authorities did not explain why these incidents led to expulsion; Vennink told Reuters he did not know why his newspaper was targeted. 

According to Volkskrant, the Dutch Foreign Minister, Ben Knapen, described the decision as "not acceptable," according to Volkskrant.

The BBC's Sarah Rainsford was forced to leave Russia after her visa was not renewed in August. 

*Photo Credits: @tomvennink

* This article contained information that was sourced from the Committee to Protect Journalists and The Guardian.