The Barents Observer
The Barents Observer is a Norwegian online newspaper which publishes news and op-ed content about the Barents Region. The newspaper is based in Kirkenes and is owned by its journalists.[1] It receives financial support from the European Endowment for Democracy, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Norwegian government, the Fritt Ord foundation, private companies, and individuals.[2][3]
| Format | Online newspaper | 
|---|---|
| Editor | Thomas Nilsen | 
| Founded | 2015 | 
| Language | English, Russian, Mandarin | 
| Website | https://thebarentsobserver.com/ | 
In March 2019, The Barents Observer was blocked for readers in Russia after having published an interview with a homosexual Sámi activist describing his suicidal thoughts.[4][5] A member of the Russian State Duma supported the blocking, saying that the article expressed "degeneration and decay".[6] The newspaper actively tries to bypass the blockade.[2]
In 2022, The Barents Observer was offered a video showing a Norwegian diplomat complaining about a hotel room in Murmansk, using undiplomatic language. The paper chose to not publish the video, nor write about the case, as it appeared to come from Russian intelligence.[7] The case was widely covered by other outlets.[8][9]
References
    
- "The Independent Barentsobserver AS - 916104987 - Kirkenes - Se Regnskap, Roller og mer". www.proff.no.
 - "The Barents Observer values freedom of speech and support for democracy". The Independent Barents Observer.
 - "Medietilsynet har fordelt 21 millionar kroner: Nesten halvparten av årets innovasjonsstøtte går til små, lokale medium | Medietilsynet". kommunikasjon.ntb.no.
 - "From suicide attempts to happiness and Sámi pride". The Independent Barents Observer.
 - "Moscow bans the Barents Observer from Russian Internet". Bellona.org. February 20, 2019.
 - American, The Norwegian (March 7, 2019). "Russia blocks Barents Observer". The Norwegian American.
 - Marvik, Jo Arne (July 31, 2022). "Norsk diplomat i Russland: – Provokasjon frå russisk etterretning". NRK.
 - English, Al Mayadeen (July 30, 2022). "Norwegian consul in Russia: I hate Russians; you people are a disgrace". Al Mayadeen English.
 - "Norwegian consul filmed insulting Russians at hotel". July 31, 2022.