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MOSCOW – In a move condemned as a further assault on press freedom, Russia on Tuesday delivered five-and-a-half-year prison sentences to four journalists for alleged associations with the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The ruling intensifies the Kremlin’s crackdown on dissenting voices and media outlets deemed critical of the government.
Russian Journalists Sentenced to Penal Colony
The four journalists, reportedly linked to the late Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of President Putin, received lengthy sentences. Navalny, whom Russian authorities had previously labeled an “extremist,” a designation upheld even after his death in an Arctic penal colony on February 16, 2024, remains a focal point of government suppression.
Prior to its military offensive in Ukraine in 2022, Moscow had already proscribed Navalny’s organizations as “extremist” and subsequently launched a rigorous campaign targeting individuals perceived to have connections with him.
Verdict and Sentencing Details
Judge rendered the verdict against Antonina Kravtsova, Konstantin Gabov, Sergei Karelin, and Artem Kriger – all reporters who covered Navalny’s activities – imposing “five years and six months in a general-regime penal colony.” An AFP journalist was present during the pronouncement.
The journalists were convicted of “participating in an extremist group,” stemming from arrests made the previous year.
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Closed Trial and Media Access
Reflecting a pattern increasingly common in politically sensitive cases in Russia against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, the trial took place behind closed doors at Moscow’s Nagatinsky district court. Only the sentencing phase was accessible to media representatives.
Despite restrictions, approximately one hundred supporters, journalists, and Western diplomats gathered at the courthouse to witness the verdicts. Attendees displayed their support, cheering and applauding as the defendants were escorted into the courtroom.
Escalating Crackdown on Navalny Allies and Independent Media
Since Navalny’s death in an Arctic prison, the circumstances of which remain disputed, Russian authorities have significantly intensified pressure on his family and allies.
Earlier this year, in January, three lawyers who had provided legal counsel to Navalny were also sentenced to multiple years of imprisonment.
Concurrently, Moscow has amplified its decade-long campaign against independent media, particularly since the commencement of its military actions in Ukraine.
In the aftermath of deploying troops to Ukraine in 2022, Moscow enacted extensive military censorship regulations. These laws effectively prohibit any criticism of the Russian military, leading the majority of the country’s independent news organizations to operate from outside Russia.
Journalists Reject Charges, Defend Press Freedom
The journalists sentenced on Tuesday have consistently denied accusations of involvement with an extremist organization.
Profiles of the Sentenced Journalists
- Antonina Kravtsova (Antonina Favorskaya): A 34-year-old photographer for the independent SOTAvision outlet, known professionally as Antonina Favorskaya. She extensively covered Navalny’s legal proceedings for two years, including filming his final court appearance via video link two days before his death.
- Konstantin Gabov and Sergei Karelin: Video correspondents accused of producing photo and video content for Navalny’s social media platforms. Both have collaborated with international news agencies, including Reuters (Gabov), and the Associated Press and Deutsche Welle (Karelin).
- Artem Kriger: The youngest defendant at 24, Kriger covered political trials and protests for SOTAvision.
Defiant Statements in Court
Following the reading of the verdict, Kriger declared in court, “Everything will be fine, everything will change. Those who sentenced me will be sitting here instead of me.” A supporter in attendance responded with “You are the pride of Russia!”
In their final statements, disseminated by independent media, the journalists denounced the case and the deteriorating state of press freedom in Russia.
Gabov, as reported by Meduza, stated, “Engaging in independent journalism is now considered equivalent to extremism.”
Kriger, according to a transcript by SOTAVision, told the court, “I did not want to flee and be afraid, I wanted to insist that it was possible and necessary to do journalism in Russia. If I have to pay for that belief with my freedom or my life, I am willing to do it.”