Russian Korea expert Andrei Lankov faces second protocol, cuts off media contact

Leading Russian North Korea scholar Andrei Lankov has announced he will no longer speak to journalists after being issued a second administrative protocol under Article 20.33 of Russia's Code of Administrative Offences for participation in an 'undesirable' organisation. Lankov made the announcement via his Telegram channel.

Russia's foremost expert on North Korea, Andrei Lankov, has announced that he will no longer communicate with journalists following the filing of a second administrative protocol against him. The scholar shared the news through his Telegram channel, citing the serious legal pressure now bearing down on him.

The protocol was filed under Article 20.33 of Russia's Code of Administrative Offences, which concerns participation in the activities of organisations deemed "undesirable" by Russian authorities. This is the second such protocol filed against Lankov, significantly raising the stakes compared to the first incident.

Russia's "undesirable organisations" law has been used increasingly in recent years to target academics, journalists, and civil society figures who maintain ties with foreign or international institutions. A second violation under this framework can carry considerably harsher consequences than a first offence.

By cutting off contact with journalists, Lankov effectively ends one of the most accessible and authoritative Russian-language voices on North Korean affairs. His commentary was widely sought by international media seeking expert analysis on Pyongyang's policies and the Korean Peninsula more broadly.

The move reflects a growing trend of Russian academics and public intellectuals withdrawing from public life under the threat of administrative or criminal prosecution, particularly those with professional connections to foreign organisations or media outlets.