Russia: Women Press Freedom Condemns Court Ruling Against Exiled Former Meduza Journalist Margarita Liutova
November 4, 2024 - Russia, Moscow
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.” This unjust penalty stems from her appearance on Alexander Plyushev’s YouTube channel, where she was identified as a reporter for Meduza, an organization that has been designated as “undesirable” by Russia’s Prosecutor General since January 2023.
The charges against Liutova highlight the alarming erosion of press freedom in Russia, where laws targeting independent journalism pose significant threats to freedom of expression. By penalizing journalists for their affiliations and activities, the Russian government is stifling dissent and undermining the vital role of a free press in society.
Liutova's absence from court underscores the perilous circumstances faced by many journalists who must live in exile to escape government repression. Her characterization of the proceedings as a “small abomination” reflects the broader reality that countless journalists in Russia confront far greater risks and dangers in their pursuit of truth.
We stand in solidarity with Margarita Liutova and all journalists who bravely challenge oppressive regimes, and we call on the international community to support efforts to protect press freedoms worldwide. It is imperative that all stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to defending the rights of journalists and ensuring they can operate without fear of persecution or retribution.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.”
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klann and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
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Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the killing of women journalists Nadia Al Sayed and Haneen Baroud, as well as their colleagues Saed Radwan, Abdulrahman Al-Tanani, and Hamza Abu Salmiya, due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent actions of Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who blocked the editorial board's plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, leading to the resignation of editorial editor Maria Garza. This interference is a serious breach of journalistic integrity and undermines the crucial principle of editorial independence within a respected news organization.
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