Trial of Four Journalists in Moscow

Four Russian journalists—Antonina Favorskaya, Artyom Kriger, Sergey Karelin, and Konstantin Gabov—have begun their trial in Moscow, facing charges of involvement with an extremist group linked to the late opposition politician Alexei Navalny, whose organization was banned by Russian authorities in 2021. The trial, held behind closed doors, is part of the Kremlin's broader crackdown on dissent following the Ukraine invasion, with many journalists and activists currently imprisoned. The defendants face up to six years in prison if convicted, and all have denied the charges, which prosecutors claim stem from their work with Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. As they were led into court, supporters greeted them, highlighting growing concern over press freedom in Russia. Independent news organizations, including Reuters, have expressed that the charges against their freelancers are politically motivated and unrelated to their journalistic work. The proceedings reflect the increasingly precarious situation for journalists in Russia amid a climate of repression against dissenting voices.