FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 2017
Ownership
Forbidden Stories is a Paris-based non-profit network founded in 2017 by French investigative journalist Laurent Richard, who serves as executive director. It is operated by the non-profit Freedom Voices Network and is not owned by any company, family or state. It coordinates investigations across some 150 reporters and 60+ news organisations (including Le Monde, The Guardian and The Washington Post) to continue the work of murdered or threatened journalists.
Funding
Funded by philanthropic grants and foundations rather than advertising or owners; reported backers include the Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation, Luminate, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Adessium Foundation, the Mozilla Foundation and others. It has raised several million dollars since its creation.
Affiliation & stance
It has no party, state or commercial-owner control; as an independent journalist-led non-profit it is INDEPENDENT. Its work is investigative and press-freedom oriented, broadly centre-left in outlook but not tied to any political party.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Leftbased on 10
85/100
Factual
70/100
Objective
10
Articles
10
reports
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Recent coverage
Revealed: Unpublished UN Report Implicates Workers on TotalEnergies-led Project in Sexual Exploitation and Mozambique’s Military in Sexual Violence
A leaked UN report obtained by Forbidden Stories reveals allegations of sexual exploitation and violence involving both Mozambican military personnel and workers at the TotalEnergies-led LNG project in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. The report details accusations of rape, sexual abuse, and coercion of local women and girls by both military forces and project employees.
A Campaign of Disappearances: Inside the Killings, Abductions and Surveillance of Mozambique’s Government Critics
Forbidden Stories reports on alleged human rights abuses in Mozambique following the 2024 elections, citing claims that over 400 supporters of opposition leader Mondlane have faced violence, including 55 deaths. The report references an NGO’s findings of thousands detained and injured, along with complaints filed by Mondlane’s team detailing extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and other abuses. The article also discusses the role of 'chefes de quarteirão'—local monitors linked to the ruling party—as part of a strategy to suppress dissent. The Mozambican government did not respond to the
In Mozambique, the Regime Imposes a Blackout on Journalists
Forbidden Stories reports on the growing concerns regarding the lack of accountability and increasing repression of journalists in Mozambique, particularly in the northern region of Cabo Delgado. The article highlights several cases involving local journalists who have disappeared or been harmed, with authorities failing to conduct proper investigations. It also mentions the efforts by the government to restrict media coverage of the ongoing conflict in the area.
“These rapes and videos are a way to silence us”
The article describes the experience of a 33-year-old Afghan woman who lived under the previous government before the Taliban regained control in August 2021. She previously worked with international organizations promoting community development and women's rights, and she participated in public activities such as radio programs. After the Taliban takeover, she faced severe restrictions, including mandatory dress codes, the requirement to be accompanied by a male guardian, and a ban on women working in her organization. She received threatening calls from suspected Taliban members and observed arrests of her friends, leading her to flee her area for safety in Kabul.
Radio silence: An investigation into the governor of Kabul
The article discusses the deteriorating situation for journalists in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, focusing on Jawadi, the editor-in-chief of Radio Nasim. After being arrested multiple times, he was forced to shut down the radio station, which had been a prominent voice for progressive values such as women's rights and education. Since the Taliban took control in 2021, more than 75 journalists have been arrested, and hundreds have fled the country. Over 95% of women have left journalism due to repression, and even minor criticisms of the regime are heavily censored. Exiled journalists from countries like France, the U.S., and Canada continue to report on the Taliban through anonymous sources.
Ghost Journalists, Cash and Kremlin Scripts: How Russian Operatives Tried To Influence Argentinian Media
The article discusses allegations of Russian operatives attempting to influence Argentinian media through a network involving Russian citizens Lev Konstantinovich and Irina Iakovenko. These individuals are accused of financing operations, creating content, influencing NGOs, and gathering political intelligence to serve Russian interests. Argentine government spokesperson Manuel Adorni claimed that intelligence services uncovered this network, which reportedly left Argentina by November 2025. However, Konstantinovich denied these claims, stating there was no evidence supporting them. The article also notes that despite these alleged efforts, Argentina remained supportive of Ukraine and aligned with other right-leaning leaders in the region, such as Chile's President José Antonio Kast.
In the Sahel, journalists, activists and NGOs in the crosshairs of Russian agents from “The Company”
Forbidden Stories reports on alleged Russian intelligence operations targeting journalists, activists, and NGOs in the Sahel region through a covert organization referred to as 'The Company.' According to internal documents obtained by the outlet, 'The Company' has been working to influence political dynamics across multiple African nations, including Niger and Guinea. One of its targets is Tournons la Page (TLP), a civil society group promoting democratic transitions in Africa. TLP's Niger coordinator, Maikoul Zodi, criticized the 2023 military coup in Niger and warned against foreign interference, which appears to have drawn attention from Russian operatives. Additionally, the documents suggest that 'The Company' has used cultural figures like Guinean reggae artist Eli Kamano to promote pro-Sahel alliances such as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). These efforts include organizing conferences and influencing local youth groups under the guise of fostering regional cooperation.
Maintaining friendly powers at all costs: The maneuvers of Russian influence agents in South Africa, Namibia and Madagascar
This article by Forbidden Stories reveals alleged covert activities by Russian influence agents in South Africa, Namibia, and Madagascar between 2019 and 2025. According to leaked documents, Russian operatives known as 'The Company'—linked to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service—engaged in secret meetings with South African ANC officials, including Fikile Mbalula and his advisor Bongani Mbindwane. These interactions reportedly involved financial exchanges, support for pro-Russian candidates, and smear campaigns against opponents. In Namibia, similar tactics included producing fake materials to undermine the IPC party. In Madagascar, Russian-backed efforts aimed to pressure President Rajoelina to seek Russian assistance. The report highlights ongoing Russian influence through clandestine operations and strategic funding.
Eyes of Iran: How the regime secretly monitors its citizens
The article discusses the Iranian government's use of advanced surveillance technology to monitor citizens, particularly during protests related to the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. It highlights the experiences of two individuals, Arya and Mansur, who were affected by this monitoring. Arya participated in protests and witnessed extensive surveillance systems, while Mansur's daughter, Hasti, was targeted after a bank's surveillance camera captured him distributing pro-democracy leaflets. The authorities used the footage to identify and arrest Hasti, leading to serious injuries and long-term health issues. The piece underscores the oppressive nature of state surveillance in Iran.
Inside the Propaganda Unit Sent by Russia to Help the Bolivian President
The article reveals that Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), through its 'Company' network, deployed seven operatives to Bolivia in July 2024 to support then-President Luis Arce. The operatives aimed to stabilize his government, influence the 2025 election, and reshape narratives around the failed 2024 coup attempt. Internal documents show the 'Company' planned to draft speeches for Arce and senior officials, while also seeking access to Bolivia's judicial elections. The mission lasted until late 2025, with the Kremlin initially downplaying the coup as an internal matter. The report highlights concerns over Russian interference in Bolivian politics.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.