The Prosecutor General’s Office in Russia ordered Roskomnadzor to block two major Sakhalin information portals, Sakh.com and Sakhalin.info. An employee identified as Alexander stated in a conversation with socialbites.ca that the company intends to appeal Roskomnadzor’s decision once the official reasons for the blocking are clarified. He noted that the portals had complied with all department instructions and responded promptly to requests from law enforcement and supervisory authorities.
Alexander emphasized the need to understand the specific grounds for the blocks, explaining that the team wants to know exactly what content or actions triggered the decision. He pointed out that over the 23 years of the company’s existence, the staff has faced many crises and external attacks from various directions, yet the team has consistently acted in a timely manner to satisfy inquiries and maintain service continuity. He also mentioned rumors circulating in the forums about possible comments from the prosecutor’s office, which he labeled as unfounded speculation.
The portal’s management said they would consider updating or restricting certain sections of the resource as soon as the reasons for the blocking become clear. The aim would be to either restore full functionality or ensure compliance with the law while preserving essential information access for readers in the region.
In response to the incident, Svetlana Ivanova, a deputy from the Sakhalin Regional Duma, voiced concern and urged action. She requested a formal inquiry to the Office of the Prosecutor General and called for rapid clarification of the current actions. Ivanova underscored that Sakhalin residents rely on this information source to stay informed about regional developments and stressed the importance of timely restoration of the portal’s operations. She also affirmed the district’s readiness to assist in expediting the process and ensuring continuity of access to reliable regional news.
The involvement of regional lawmakers reflects a broader concern about information accessibility and transparency. Supporters of the portals argued that Sakh.com and Sakhalin.info play a critical role in disseminating local news, official statements, and community updates. They urged authorities to provide clear guidance on permissible content and to offer pathways for the portals to comply without sacrificing essential reporting. The case highlights the balance between regulatory oversight and the public’s right to information, a dynamic that continues to unfold as authorities examine the legal framework governing online media in the region. (Attribution: Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation; Roskomnadzor; Sakhalin Regional Duma)