A court in Russia has sentenced four journalists to five and a half years in prison for allegedly supporting Alexei Navalny’s banned anti-corruption foundation. The journalists – Antonina Favorskaya, Konstantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger – were accused of being part of an “extremist” group. The verdict is part of a growing crackdown on free press and political dissent since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. All four journalists denied the charges and said they were punished for doing their job.
Closed-Door Trial Targets Independent Journalism
The trial took place behind closed doors in Moscow. Russian authorities claimed the journalists supported Navalny’s foundation, which was labeled “extremist” and banned in 2021.
Antonina Favorskaya and Artyom Kriger worked for SotaVision, an outlet known for covering protests and political trials. Konstantin Gabov worked as a freelance TV producer, including for global media companies. Sergey Karelin made video content for international news services.
Authorities said their journalistic work promoted extremist ideas. However, legal experts and human rights groups argue the journalists were simply reporting on public issues.
Reporters Deny All Charges
Each journalist defended their work.
Favorskaya explained she had reported on Navalny’s mistreatment while in prison. She also helped organize his funeral earlier this year. Gabov said he was charged for his past reporting and insisted that no evidence showed any wrongdoing.
“They now treat journalism as a crime,” he told the court.
Karelin admitted doing interviews for a YouTube channel once linked to Navalny. He explained he needed the income to support his wife and child. “I did it for my family, for truth, and for my country,” he said.
Kriger gave a short speech in court, saying he stood by his work and believed justice would come. Supporters clapped as he was led away. SotaVision later shared his full statement online, in which he reaffirmed his commitment to honest journalism.
Defense Teams Call Verdict ‘Unlawful’
Lawyers for the journalists strongly criticized the sentence.
“This is not justice. It’s punishment for truth,” said attorney Irina Biryukova. She argued that journalism does not equal extremism and pointed out that no law was broken.
Yelena Sheremetyeva, who represents Kriger, confirmed plans to appeal the sentence. She also said that public support has helped keep the four strong.
Many came to the courthouse to show solidarity. Some shouted messages of support and waved signs defending press freedom.
Human Rights Groups Raise Alarm
The human rights group Memorial classified the journalists as political prisoners. According to the organization, more than 900 people are currently imprisoned in Russia for political reasons.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has increased arrests of opposition figures, activists, and reporters. Thousands of others have fled the country.
Memorial said the verdict shows the Russian government’s goal of silencing independent voices and limiting public access to truth.
International groups, including press freedom organizations and Western governments, are expected to condemn the decision in the coming days.
Press Freedom at Risk in Russia
This case is the latest in a long list of actions taken against journalists in Russia.
Several reporters have been detained, had their outlets shut down, or were forced into exile. Online platforms and independent media are under heavy control.
Free speech advocates warn that the line between reporting and criminal activity is becoming blurred in Russia. Critics argue that laws are being used to silence dissent and scare the press into silence.
Despite these risks, journalists like Favorskaya, Gabov, Karelin, and Kriger continue to share stories that matter. Their sentencing has sparked a debate about justice, free speech, and the future of journalism in Russia.