The detention of US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been extended by a Russian court until June 5 for failing to register as a foreign agent. Kurmasheva, who is the editor for the Tatar-Bashkir service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), expressed concerns about the physical conditions in which she is being held, including a small cell with no hot water and a hole in the floor instead of a toilet. She was originally detained in June 2023 in Kazan, Russia, while waiting for a return flight to the Czech Republic, where she was based.
Kurmasheva’s passports were confiscated by airport employees and she was fined for failing to register her American passport with Russian authorities. New charges were announced in October accusing her of failing to register as a foreign agent. Her lawyer, Edgar Matevosyan, stated that she plans to appeal the charges and maintains her innocence. RFE/RL has highlighted Kurmasheva as an accomplished journalist who has focused on issues concerning ethnic minorities in Russia’s Tatarstan and Bashkortostan regions.
In 2022, Russia expanded its law on foreign agents in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, leading to a crackdown on free speech and opposition under President Vladimir Putin. Anyone perceived to have received support or is under foreign influence can now be designated as a foreign agent. This marks a significant escalation in restrictions on journalists and media organizations operating in Russia. The one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s arrest in Russia was also commemorated last week. He is facing charges of espionage, which he and his employer deny.
Six journalists working for independent media outlets in Russia were also arrested recently, including Antonina Favorskaya of SOTA Vision, who has been accused of extremist activities due to her coverage of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. These actions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and media professionals in Russia who are targeted for their reporting. An increasingly hostile environment towards press freedom in the country is causing concern among international organizations advocating for the protection of journalists’ rights.
The detention and harassment of journalists in Russia are part of a broader pattern of government crackdowns on dissent and free expression. The targeting of individuals like Kurmasheva and Gershkovich reflects a growing trend of stifling independent voices in the country. The international community has raised alarms about the deteriorating press freedom situation in Russia and called for an end to the harassment and persecution of journalists. As these challenges persist, it is essential to continue advocating for the protection of journalists and press freedom rights worldwide.