Russia stepping up 'persecution of last independent journalists and media,' alleges Reporters Without Borders

Russia, as per reports, is stepping up its persecution of independent journalists in the country. Just ahead of the anniversary of American reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention in Yekaterinburg, Moscow arrested six journalists working for independent media outlets in Russia. According to CNN, these journalists were arrested within a short period of time this week.

Persecution of free media

Jeanne Cavelier, the head of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk alleged that "with six new arrests in a span of a few hours, accompanied by violence, threats and searches, the authorities are stepping up their persecution of the last independent journalists and media in Russia"

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"RSF condemns the arbitrary arrests and unacceptable violence against these journalists," she added.

Among the arrested journalists is Antonina Favorskaya, known for her coverage of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

RSF in a statement stated that Favorskaya, employed by the independent Russian media outlet SOTA Vision, faces accusations of "extremist activities" due to her reporting on Navalny and his activities.

Favorskaya notably filmed Navalny's final video before his death, showing the opposition activist appearing in a court hearing via a video link from the Arctic penal colony where he was serving his sentence.

This comes as on Friday (Mar 29) Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich marked one year since his detention in Russian custody. Following his arrest, the reporter was charged with espionage, an allegation strongly refuted by Gershkovich, his employer, and the US government.

Gershkovich was the first journalist to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War. However, the Russian government has yet to provide any evidence to support the accusation.

Charges against the arrested journalists

As per a report by Russian state news agency TASS, the Investigative Committee of Russia requested Favorskaya's arrest for allegedly "participating in an extremist organisation."

Favorskaya had extensively covered Navalny's court hearings over the past two years and reported from the penal colonies and cemetery where Navalny was buried.

The six journalists, including Favorskaya, were arrested on Wednesday (Mar 27)and Thursday (Mar 28), according to RSF.

Favorskaya was reportedly arrested while being released after spending 10 days in detention in Moscow on a charge of "disobeying the police," RSF reported. Two other journalists, Alexandra Astakhova and Anastasia Musayeva, who came to meet Favorskaya, were also detained and are now "involved in the case as witnesses," according to SOTA Vision. All three journalists were also reportedly subjected to searches during their detention.

(With inputs from agencies)