In an alarming escalation of actions against independent media in Russia, the detention of five journalists has cast a stark light on the continuing crackdown on freedom of speech in the former Soviet Union. Among the detained are Antonina Favorskaya, Ekaterina Anikiyevich, Konstantin Zharov, Alexandra Astakhova, and Anastasiya Musatova.
This series of detentions underscores the harsh conditions for journalists in Russia, where reporting on sensitive issues increasingly leads to severe repercussions.
Brutal treatment of independent journalists in Russia
Ekaterina Anikiyevich of SOTAVision and Konstantin Zharov of RusNews were among those detained in an overnight operation. Zharov’s treatment by the police was particularly brutal; he recounted being beaten, with officers threatening him with sexual violence.
Brutal treatment of independent journalists in Russia
Ekaterina Anikiyevich of SOTAVision and Konstantin Zharov of RusNews were among those detained in an overnight operation. Zharov’s treatment by the police was particularly brutal; he recounted being beaten, with officers threatening him with sexual violence.
“They kicked me, one put his boot on my head, twisted my fingers, and mocked me as I tried to rise,” Zharov shared with RusNews. The arrests appear linked to the journalists’ efforts to cover stories near Favorskaya’s residence, who herself had been detained shortly after completing a 10-day sentence for failing to comply with police orders.#Russia: IPI demands the immediate release of journalists detained in Moscow.
— IPI - The Global Network for Independent Media (@globalfreemedia) March 28, 2024
1/5 Antonina Favorskaya, who earlier reported on the trial of Alexey #Navalny for @Sota_Vision, was arrested on March 18 and has still not been released. pic.twitter.com/drZi7sn59k
Alexandra Astakhova and Anastasiya Musatova, journalists who showed solidarity with their detained colleague, were also taken into custody and later released after questioning. The backdrop to these events is Favorskaya’s longstanding documentation of Navalny’s legal battles and her recent arrest, which followed her tribute to Navalny after his mysterious death in a penal colony.
This wave of detentions and the targeted suppression of independent media voices have drawn sharp criticism internationally. Reporters Without Borders has strongly condemned the actions of the Russian authorities, calling for the immediate release of Favorskaya and an end to the harassment of journalists merely fulfilling their professional duties.
The Polish government and civil society organizations have voiced their support for the detained journalists, advocating for their rights and freedom to report without fear of retribution.
This wave of detentions and the targeted suppression of independent media voices have drawn sharp criticism internationally. Reporters Without Borders has strongly condemned the actions of the Russian authorities, calling for the immediate release of Favorskaya and an end to the harassment of journalists merely fulfilling their professional duties.
The Polish government and civil society organizations have voiced their support for the detained journalists, advocating for their rights and freedom to report without fear of retribution.
Source: PAP, Reuters
