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A Russian court sentenced four journalists—Antonina Favorskaya, Kostantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger—to 5.5 years in prison each for allegedly cooperating with Alexei Navalny’s anti-corruption group, which was declared extremist in 2021. The court proceedings, conducted behind closed doors, saw the journalists convicted on charges of promoting extremism under Russia’s criminal code. Despite facing these charges, all four journalists maintained their innocence, insisting they were only carrying out their professional duties as reporters.

Journalists’ Work and Their Connection to Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation

The four journalists were linked to Navalny’s anti-corruption work through their reporting and coverage of protests and political repression in Russia. Favorskaya and Kriger were both reporters for SotaVision, an outlet known for its critical coverage of the Russian government. Gabov worked as a freelancer for various international media outlets, including Reuters, while Karelin contributed to Western media organizations like the Associated Press. These affiliations, along with their reported ties to Navalny’s foundation, were used by the Russian authorities to justify the charges against them.

Defiant Closing Statements and Rejection of Charges

During their trial, all four journalists delivered defiant closing statements, rejecting the charges as politically motivated punishment for their independent journalism. Favorskaya expressed that she was being prosecuted for her coverage of Navalny’s mistreatment in prison and her involvement in organizing his funeral. Kriger, who had worked as an independent journalist for over four years, maintained that his inclusion on Russia’s extremist registry was a result of his integrity in reporting. “Don’t lose hope. This will end. The real criminals will face justice,” he said in his closing remarks.

Gabov, calling the trial baseless, warned that Russia was continuing to criminalize honest reporting. Karelin defended his work with Navalny’s YouTube channel, Popular Politics, which the state never officially banned. He explained that his work was simply a means to support his family while practicing journalism. Their lawyers, calling the ruling “illegal and unfair,” vowed to appeal the decision, arguing that it was a violation of basic rights.

Escalating Repression of Dissent in Russia

This trial is part of a broader trend of increasing repression in Russia since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Security forces have intensified their crackdown on critics, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who oppose the government’s stance on the war. Thousands have been forced into exile, while hundreds have been imprisoned for their dissenting voices.

Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin’s most prominent critic, died in 2024 while serving a 19-year sentence in an Arctic prison. His anti-corruption foundation, labeled extremist by the Russian government in 2021, continues to inspire a new generation of dissidents despite official efforts to suppress it. According to Memorial, a prominent Russian human rights group, there are currently over 900 political prisoners held in Russia.

Support for Journalists Amidst Fear and Repression

The sentencing has drawn condemnation from both within Russia and the international community. While the Russian government continues to silence voices critical of the Kremlin, supporters of the four journalists have expressed public solidarity. In court, supporters of the journalists applauded the defiant statements, showing their backing despite the increasingly harsh climate of fear and repression. This case is yet another example of Russia’s aggressive crackdown on freedom of expression, which has intensified since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

As the case unfolds and the legal team prepares for an appeal, it highlights the continuing struggle for press freedom and independent journalism in Russia. Despite the risks, the determination of these journalists to continue their work stands as a testament to their courage and commitment to truth.

A Fight for Free Press in Russia

The sentences handed down to Antonina Favorskaya, Kostantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger are a chilling reminder of the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Russia today. As the country intensifies its efforts to silence dissent, these journalists’ commitment to independent reporting continues to inspire a global fight for freedom of expression. For now, their fight is far from over, and their supporters remain hopeful that justice will prevail.