A Moscow court has sentenced four journalists to 5.5 years in prison on charges of extremism. Antonina Favorskaya, Kostantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger were convicted for their reported ties to Alexei Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation, labeled extremist by Russian authorities in 2021. Despite their claims of innocence and dedication to their journalistic duties, the court’s decision signals a continued clampdown on dissent and independent reporting in Russia. The journalists, who all worked for various outlets, denied the charges, asserting they were targeted for their honest work as reporters. Their lawyers have vowed to appeal the verdict.

Journalists Found Guilty of Extremism

The four journalists were sentenced behind closed doors, a move typical in politically sensitive cases. The charges stemmed from their connections with Navalny’s foundation, an organization that had been outlawed by the Russian government. Russian officials accused them of promoting extremism, a label frequently used to silence opposition and critical voices within the media.

Antonina Favorskaya and Artyom Kriger were involved with SotaVision, covering protests and trials across Russia. Kostantin Gabov worked as a freelance producer with international outlets like Reuters, while Sergey Karelin contributed reports to The Associated Press. The charges focused on their reported interactions with Navalny’s organization and alleged efforts to spread its ideology.

Lawyers and Journalists Defend Press Freedom

The four journalists have denied any wrongdoing, asserting they were simply doing their jobs as reporters. Favorskaya expressed frustration, stating she was being punished for her coverage of Navalny’s mistreatment while in prison, as well as for helping to organize his funeral.

Gabov argued that the prosecution failed to present any concrete evidence of criminal behavior, claiming that the charges were an attack on independent journalism. “In Russia, journalism equals extremism,” he said in response to the verdict.

Karelin, who worked on Navalny’s YouTube channel, stated that his role was solely to support his family. He emphasized that the platform, Popular Politics, had never been officially banned or deemed extremist before the charges. “I’m in prison for doing my job with honesty and integrity,” Karelin told the court.

Kriger, like his colleagues, argued that his conviction was a direct result of his commitment to fair and independent reporting. He ended his statement on a hopeful note, asserting, “Don’t lose hope—those who judged us will face justice too.”

Ongoing Repression of Dissent

This latest court decision comes amid heightened repression in Russia, where independent journalists and opposition figures face mounting pressure. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government has intensified its efforts to silence dissent, imprisoning critics, and forcing many into exile.

Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader, died in prison in February 2024 after serving a 19-year sentence for leading what authorities termed an extremist organization. Navalny’s death only further sparked outrage among human rights groups, including Memorial, which has labeled these four journalists as political prisoners.

The Memorial human rights group, which tracks political prisoners in Russia, estimates there are currently over 900 individuals detained for their opposition to the government’s actions. Memorial has condemned the sentences as part of a broader crackdown on freedom of expression in the country.

Support for the Journalists

Despite the oppressive nature of the ruling, supporters gathered outside the courtroom to show their solidarity with the journalists. As the four men were escorted out of the building by police officers, they were met with applause and chants of protest from the crowd.

Lawyer Irina Biryukova, representing the accused journalists, called the charges “baseless” and stressed that journalism is not a crime. “These people committed no offense,” she stated, reaffirming that their only “crime” was fulfilling their roles as independent journalists in Russia.

Global Condemnation

The convictions of these journalists have drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations, press freedom groups, and governments around the world. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Russia, where the government’s control over the media landscape has tightened in recent years.

The sentencing also underscores the ongoing risks faced by journalists who report on sensitive political issues, particularly in relation to the government’s policies and the opposition. With continued repression and the stifling of independent voices, the future of press freedom in Russia remains uncertain.