Russia: Farida Korbangalieva Arrested in Absentia
Women Press Freedom firmly denounces the Kremlin’s cynical transnational repression tactics used to target journalists abroad
Location: Russia, Moscow
Date: June 26, 2024
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the Kremlin’s persistent and cynical use of transnational repression to silence dissenting voices, both domestically and abroad. The recent arrest warrant issued by the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow for exiled journalist Farida Korbangalieva exemplifies the Russian regime’s relentless crackdown on independent journalism. This follows a disturbing pattern, with at least 14 women and non-binary journalists facing similar warrants. Korbangalieva has been an outspoken critic of the Russian government’s aggressive policies and human rights violations, particularly in Ukraine. Her fearless stance and commitment to truth-telling are undoubtedly the real reasons behind her legal harassment. Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the Kremlin’s vicious crackdown on independent journalists like Farida Korbangalieva. All bogus charges filed against her must be dropped.
On June 26, 2024, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow issued an arrest warrant for exiled journalist Farida Korbangalieva.
Currently residing in Czechia, Korbangalieva was arrested in absentia for alleged involvement in justifying terrorism on the Internet. The specifics of these charges remain undisclosed.
Earlier in the month, on June 19, 2024, Korbangalieva was added to Rosfinmonitoring’s list of terrorists and extremists.
On social media, Korbangalieva expressed her determination to continue her work despite the accusations. "They didn't explain why they put me on this list. But I guess. As a citizen of Russia, I openly write that the Russian state is waging a war of criminal aggression in Ukraine, subjugating peoples, destroying nations, torturing people, robbing, raping, stealing, and other opinions... Of course, this status of mine will not affect anything and I will continue to speak," she wrote.
Born in Kazan, Korbangalieva began her career on Tatarstan television before moving to Moscow in 2007. She gained prominence as a host of the "Vesti" program on the "Russia 1" channel. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Korbangalieva left the "Russia" channel and relocated to Czechia with her family. Currently, Korbangalieva runs her own YouTube channel where she discusses Russia's policies, often focusing on its colonial history and ongoing conflicts.
The demand for Farida Korbangalieva’s arrest in absentia on charges of justifying terrorism is yet another example of the ongoing repression of Russian journalists in exile. Russia continues to issue arrest warrants for numerous journalists, including Veronika Belotserkovskaya and Marina Ovsyannikova, as part of its crackdown on dissent. This is just one of the tactics employed by Putin’s government to target journalists, particularly Russian exiles, beyond its borders.
Russia is the most prolific perpetrator of transnational repression against women journalists. It is responsible for 20 of Women Press Freedom’s documented cases in the first four months of 2024. These violations include legal harassment, where journalists like Anastasiya Zhvik and Maria Menshikova face charges and criminal investigations for reporting on sensitive topics. Foreign agent designations are also used to stigmatize and marginalize journalists like Anna Narinskaya and Asya Kazantseva.
Women Press Freedom demands an immediate and unequivocal end to the Kremlin’s persecution of exiled journalists. Farida Korbangalieva’s arrest warrant evidently stems from her forthright and honest reporting on Russian crimes in Ukraine. Adding her to a terrorism list for simply reporting facts and offering professional opinions gleaned from her years of experience is utterly ludicrous. We call on international organizations, governments, and civil society to unite in condemning these oppressive tactics from Russia. We stand in complete solidarity with Korbangalieva and all her colleagues who are facing harassment for their reporting. Russia must cease prosecuting the journalist and dismiss all charges.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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.
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