A Russian court has convicted four journalists of extremism and sentenced them to five and a half years in prison each for their work with an anti-corruption group founded by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Antonina Favorskaya, Konstantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger were found guilty despite maintaining their innocence, arguing they were being prosecuted for doing their jobs as journalists.
The conviction is part of a crackdown on dissent in Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Authorities have targeted opposition figures, independent journalists, rights activists, and ordinary Russians critical of the Kremlin with prosecution, jailing hundreds and prompting thousands to flee the country.
Favorskaya, Kriger, Gabov, and Karelin worked for various organizations, including Reuters and western media outlets. They were accused of involvement with Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, which was designated as extremist in 2021. The foundation’s designation was seen as politically motivated by many.
The four journalists faced charges related to their work on stories about Navalny’s experiences behind bars and organizing his funeral. Gabov stated that the accusations against him were groundless, while Favorskaya said she was punished for her reporting on Navalny’s abuse.
Their lawyers announced plans to appeal the verdict, which they described as illegal and unfair. The Russian human rights group Memorial has designated all four as political prisoners, among over 900 others held in the country due to dissent.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/15/russia-jails-journalists-links-alexei-navalny