France: Suspected Poisoning of Exiled Russian Journalist Marina Ovsyannikova
Journalist falls ill after encountering suspicious substance at her Paris apartment
Location: France, Paris
Date: October 12, 2023
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned for exiled ex-Russian state television journalist Marina Ovsyannikova after a suspected poisoning attempt. The journalist was recently sentenced to 8.5 years in absentia by a Moscow Court for protesting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Over the past 12 months, three Russian journalists living in exile have reported alleged poisoning attempts. We urge French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure Ovsyannikova is protected immediately.
On October 12, 2023, Marina Ovsyannikova called emergency services and was taken to hospital after suddenly falling ill as she left her apartment.
Multiple Kremlin critics claimed to have been poisoned, and French prosecutors swiftly initiated an inquiry into a suspected poisoning case after Ovsyannikova fell ill.
The next day, Ovsyannikova updated on Twitter that she is feeling much better and most of her test results have come back, showing no presence of toxic substances in her blood.
She clarified that there was no white powder found, contrary to initial reports. Ovsyannikova mentioned that the sudden deterioration of her health prompted the French police to launch an investigation. She expressed that it was not surprising for prosecutors to take this step, as Russia under Putin has a history of being linked to warfare and the poisoning of politicians and journalists.
The journalist fled Russia for France with her daughter earlier this year while she was under house arrest in Moscow for protesting Russia’s war with Ukraine.
A week ago, a Moscow court sentenced Ovsyannikova to 8.5 years in absentia. The journalist was charged with discrediting Russia’s army under a military censorship law introduced to curb any critical reporting of its military activities.
Ovsyannikova gained international attention in March 2022 when she interrupted a live broadcast of Kremlin-controlled television network Channel One. The former editor at the station protested by holding up a poster behind the news anchor, proclaiming “No to War.”
The journalist was convicted for her act of protest and fined by authorities. She decided to continue speaking out against the war by protesting outside the Kremlin, which led to her being put under house arrest.
Independent Russian journalists and activists abroad face a broad pattern of intimidation. Strict censorship laws were implemented after Russia invaded Ukraine, causing many to leave. Recent events show that Putin's regime is determined to silence their reporting, regardless of their location. Three exiled Russian women journalists, Elena Kostyuchenko, Irina Babloyan, and Natalia Arno, suspect Russian security services' involvement in their poisoning. Two journalists in the Czech Republic working for a Russian news site received ominous messages from a sender who was possibly monitoring their movement. Another exiled Russian journalist, Marfa Smirnova, also faced threats and wiretapping. These cases point to a transnational repression tactic used by the Russian government to silence dissent.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is increasingly worried about the welfare of exiled Russian women journalists who continue to speak critically of the government. Surveillance, threats, and suspected poisonings highlight the dangers these journalists face. The long arm of the Russian security apparatus extends far beyond its borders, as the deadly poisoning in the UK of Alexander Litvinenko and the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal prove.
European Union member states must immediately recognize the severe threats to exiled Russian journalists and provide them with the necessary protection and support they need in their resident countries.
We commend the Paris prosecutor for immediately opening an investigation into Ovsyannikova’s suspected poisoning and urge them to ensure her protection.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.