A Russian court has sentenced four journalists to 5 1/2 years in prison after convicting them of extremism. The journalists were accused of collaborating with an anti-corruption organization founded by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, which has been classified as extremist by the authorities.
Details of the Conviction
The convicted individuals, Antonina Favorskaya, Kostantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger, have consistently denied the charges, asserting that their prosecution stems from their journalistic activities. Favorskaya and Kriger worked for SotaVision, an independent news outlet known for its coverage of protests and political trials. Gabov has a background as a freelance producer for various media outlets, including Reuters, while Karelin has contributed as a freelance video journalist for Western media, including The Associated Press.
All four journalists were implicated in operations related to Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which was outlawed in 2021. This move is widely perceived as politically motivated, aimed at suppressing dissent. Navalny, recognized as President Vladimir Putin’s most formidable opponent, campaigned vigorously against corruption in Russia until his death in February 2024 while serving a lengthy prison sentence, which he and many observers regard as politically charged.
Statements from the Defendants
During an earlier court session, Favorskaya stated that she was being prosecuted for reporting on the mistreatment Navalny suffered while imprisoned. She further expressed that her involvement in organizing Navalny’s funeral contributed to the charges against her. In a closing statement published by the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, Gabov asserted that the allegations were unfounded and criticized the prosecution for failing to substantiate its claims. He remarked,
“I understand perfectly well … what kind of country I live in. Throughout history, Russia has never been different, there is nothing new in the current situation. Independent journalism is equated to extremism.”
Karelin, in his prepared remarks, explained that his participation in street interviews for a YouTube channel associated with Navalny’s allies was a means to support his family. He insisted that the channel itself was not classified as extremist and noted that he had committed no illegal acts. “Remorse is considered to be a mitigating circumstance. It’s the criminals who need to have remorse for what they did. But I am in prison for my work, for the honest and impartial attitude to journalism, for the love for my family and country,” he stated.
Kriger echoed similar sentiments in his closing statement, emphasizing that his legal troubles stemmed from his dedication to honest journalism. He encouraged his supporters, stating,
“Don’t despair guys, sooner or later it will end and those who delivered the sentence will go behind bars.”
Following the verdict, supporters gathered outside the courtroom, chanting and applauding as the journalists were escorted away.
The defense team announced intentions to appeal the verdict, with Kriger’s attorney, Yelena Sheremetyeva, labeling the ruling as “illegal” and “unfair.” Irina Biryukova, another attorney, argued that being a journalist does not equate to extremism and noted that the evidence presented did not support the accusations against the defendants. She remarked that the four journalists were holding up well and were heartened by the support they received.
This trial forms part of a broader crackdown on dissent, which has intensified following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Russian government has pursued opposition figures, independent journalists, and civil rights activists, leading to the imprisonment of hundreds and prompting thousands of others to flee the country.
The Russian human rights organization Memorial has classified all four journalists as political prisoners, contributing to a growing list of over 900 political prisoners currently held in Russia.