A Russian court has sentenced four journalists to 5 1/2 years in prison each after convicting them of extremism. This verdict pertains to their association with an anti-corruption organization founded by the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

Details of the Conviction

Antonina Favorskaya, Konstantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger were found guilty of engaging with a group labeled as extremist. Each of them defended their actions, asserting that they were simply carrying out their professional duties as journalists.

The trial, conducted behind closed doors, exemplifies the intensified suppression of dissent in Russia, which has escalated since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. This crackdown has resulted in the persecution of many opposition figures, independent media personnel, and citizens critical of the Kremlin, leading to the imprisonment of hundreds and forcing thousands into exile.

Journalistic Backgrounds

Favorskaya and Kriger were involved with SotaVision, a news organization reporting on protests and political trials, while Gabov has freelanced for various media outlets including Reuters. Karelin has provided video journalism for Western organizations such as the Associated Press.

The journalists were charged for their collaboration with Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which was declared extremist and prohibited in 2021 in what many view as a politically motivated act against dissent.

Reactions and Statements

During court proceedings, Favorskaya claimed she faced prosecution for a report detailing abuses Navalny encountered in prison, as well as for organizing his funeral. In his closing remarks, Gabov denounced the charges as unfounded, stating that the prosecution did not substantiate their claims. He remarked, “Independent journalism is equated to extremism.”

Karelin emphasized his efforts to support his family through his work for a YouTube channel associated with Navalny’s advocacy group, arguing that it had not been classified as extremist. He stated, “I am in prison for my work, for the honest and impartial attitude to journalism, FOR THE LOVE for my family and country.”

Kriger affirmed his commitment to journalistic integrity, indicating that his sentencing was solely due to his dedication to independent reporting. “Don’t despair guys, sooner or later it will end and those who delivered the sentence will go behind bars,” he stated following the verdict.

Political Prisoners and Context

The Russian human rights organization Memorial has classified all four journalists as political prisoners, part of a larger group exceeding 900 individuals currently detained in the country. This includes Mikhail Kriger, Artyom Kriger’s uncle, who is serving a seven-year sentence for his online comments where he expressed intent to harm President Vladimir Putin.

Recent years have seen additional targeting of individuals linked to Navalny; in January, three of his attorneys were convicted of participating in an extremist organization, receiving prison sentences themselves.

More recently, in July 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, accused of engaging with an extremist organization. She has since resided in Germany and has been active in human rights advocacy, openly criticizing the charges against her.