SMPTE Suspends Its Russian Chapter in Protest Over Ukraine Invasion

The SMPTE board of governors is “suspending the activities” of its Russian chapter until further notice in protest over the Ukraine invasion, said the society Tuesday. The board issued a resolution “condemning the unprovoked invasion by Russia of the sovereign country of Ukraine, the slaughter of innocent Ukrainian citizens, the destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, and the suppression of individual rights of Russian citizens to speak and associate freely.” It urged Moscow to “immediately cease its invasion, withdraw all its troops from Ukrainian territory, and restore the rights of Ukrainian and Russian citizens.” The board also asked SMPTE’s “partner associations” in the TV, movie, social media and related industries “to join us in our resolve against the actions of the Russian government.”