Russia: Exiled TV Host Tatyana Lazareva Arrested in Absentia
Reporter designated “foreign agent” in 2022 for criticizing Russia’s war on Ukraine
Location: Russia, Moscow
Date: June 13, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the arrest of exiled television host Tatyana Lazareva in absentia. This development is the latest episode in the ongoing persecution of Lazareva, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin's regime. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Tatyana Lazareva and all journalists and activists who face persecution for exercising their right to free speech. We call on the international community to condemn these acts of transnational repression and to support measures that protect and empower journalists and activists worldwide. The targeting of Lazareva is not only an attack on one individual but a blatant affront to the principles of press freedom and human rights. We urge all governments and international organizations to hold the Russian government accountable for its continuous efforts to silence its critics and control the free flow of information.
The Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow arrested exiled television host Tatyana Lazareva in absentia on July 10, 2024, following a search warrant issued by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs on June 13, 2024. The renowned journalist is unjustly accused of justifying terrorism.
Lazareva, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin's regime, was labeled a "foreign agent" in July 2022, a designation also given to her ex-husband, TV presenter Mikhail Shats. Both fled Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In June 2023, the Presnensky District Court in Moscow fined Lazareva 30,000 rubles for failing to label her social media posts with the "foreign agent" disclaimer.
Over the years, Lazareva has been an outspoken opponent of various government actions. In December 2011, she participated as a speaker in the Bolotnaya Square protests. In 2013, she publicly supported the LGBTQ+ community and criticized the law banning "LGBT propaganda." The following year, she condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea. More recently, she opposed constitutional amendments and the invasion of Ukraine while advocating for political prisoners.
Transnational repression, the act of authoritarian regimes targeting journalists or activists beyond their borders, is a growing concern worldwide. Russia has repeatedly shown its appetite for harassing exiles who have fled the country. Among the targeted exiles, instances include assassination attempts, alarming threats against two journalists in Czechia, multiple cases of legal persecution resulting in sentencing in absentia, and the inclusion of exiled Russians on wanted lists. These tactics underscore the Russian government's concerted efforts to silence dissent, control information, and extend its influence.
Women Press Freedom stands with Tatyana Lazareva and all journalists facing persecution. We call on the international community to condemn these actions and support the fundamental rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of retribution. It is imperative that we continue to defend press freedom and hold authoritarian regimes accountable for their attempts to suppress independent journalism.
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