Who are we?

Fortanga is an independent news outlet established in 2018 in the Republic of Ingushetia. We specialize in investigative journalism, reporting on key political and social events, documenting human rights violations, and defending press freedom in the region. Part of our editorial team continues to work inside Russia despite the risks, while the organization's leadership was forced into exile due to persecution for independent journalism.

What do we do?

We provide independent news, analytical articles, and investigations covering the most critical events in Ingushetia and the North Caucasus. We fight censorship, expose political repression, track court cases against activists, and report on the war in Ukraine and its impact on the region. Our media serves as a voice for those who cannot be heard. Fortanga'sreports are frequently cited by major international and Russian outlets such as The Insider, The Moscow Times, Kavkaz.Realii, and others.

Why is this important?

In Russia, press freedom has been nearly eradicated, with independent media facing repression, censorship, and legal persecution. In this environment, Fortanga remains the only independent source of reliable information in the region, where freedom of speech is actively suppressed.

Additionally, we are committed to preserving the Ingush language, which has been classified by UNESCO as endangered. The Russian government has removed native language education from the school curriculum, accelerating its decline. We aim to translate our materials into Ingush to support cultural identity and linguistic preservation.

Despite the Ingush population being relatively small (around 500,000 people), Fortanga has significant influence:

• 118,000 followers on Instagram
• 12,000 followers on Telegram
• 9,000 followers on Facebook
• 22,000 subscribers on YouTube
• Instagram reach of up to 4 million views

We do more than just report news—we shape public perception, expose misinformation, and give a voice to those who are silenced.

Where do we operate?

Our work covers Ingushetia and the broader North Caucasus region. Part of our team remains inside Russia despite the risks. The organization's leadership was forced into exile due to the threat of political persecution but continues to coordinate Fortanga’s activities and fight for the truth.

How do we work?

Fortanga uses modern technologies to gather, verify, and distribute information. We work with insiders in government and law enforcement agencies, allowing us to obtain exclusive data and be the first to report significant events. We conduct independent investigations, document human rights violations, and publish materials that are widely referenced by leading international media.

We actively use social media to bring the truth to a broad audience. In an environment of censorship and media suppression, this helps us continue our work and draw attention to critical issues.

What are our future plans?

• Translating our materials into the Ingush language to preserve cultural identity and linguistic heritage.
• Producing video stories on key regional events to make information more accessible and engaging.
• Developing alternative information channels, including mirror websites and encrypted platforms to bypass censorship.
• Ensuring the safety of journalists, both in Russia and abroad, to protect their ability to report freely.
• Documenting war crimes, maintaining records of Ingush soldiers killed in Ukraine, and tracking political prisoners subjected to repression in Russia.

How can you help?

Free press is not just about news—it is about protecting human rights, fighting impunity, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Your contribution will help us continue our work, support our journalists, and keep independent journalism alive in a region where it is under threat. Every donation is a direct investment in truth, press freedom, and justice.