Russia: Financial Sanctions on Exiled Journalists Anna Loiko and Maria Menshikova Are Politically Motivated
Women Press Freedom demands removal of Loiko and Menshikova from Russia's "terrorists and extremists" list
Location: Russia
Date: May 29, 2024
Women Press Freedom condemns in the strongest terms the recent actions taken by Rosfinmonitoring, Russia's financial intelligence agency, in designating journalists Anna Loiko and Maria Menshikova as "terrorists and extremists." This blatant misuse of anti-terrorism measures to target and silence independent journalists is a disturbing escalation in the repression of the free press in Russia. Anna Loiko, editor of the independent Russian news site Sota, and Maria Menshikova, editor of DOXA, have been charged in absentia and subjected to severe legal and financial repercussions for their critical reporting on Russian state actions and the war in Ukraine. These charges, under the guise of "justification of terrorism," are a clear attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate journalists into silence. The implications of being placed on Rosfinmonitoring's list are profound and devastating. Those listed face the risk of having their financial accounts blocked. This extends to their families, as seen in previous instances where relatives' accounts were frozen. We call on the international community to denounce these actions and to stand in solidarity with Anna Loiko, Maria Menshikova, and all other journalists who are being unjustly targeted. Women Press Freedom demands authorities immediately remove these journalists from the "terrorists and extremists" list, drop all charges against them, and cease the harassment and persecution of independent journalists. We also call on financial institutions like PayPal to reconsider their policies in light of such politically motivated designations, which unjustly penalize those already vulnerable.
Rosfinmonitoring, Russia's financial intelligence agency, added journalists exiled Anna Loiko and Maria Menshikova to its list of "terrorists and extremists" on May 29, 2024. The reporters were previously charged and arrested in absentia.
In addition to Loiko and Menshikova, Rosfinmonitoring's recent updates to the list of "terrorists and extremists" include actor Alexey Panin, activist Evgeny Mishchenko, 15-year-old Matvey Treshchev, and activist Polina Simonenko. The agency, which collects and analyzes information on financial transactions to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, has added 669 people to the list in the first three months of 2024 alone, a record number for such a period.
Those listed face the risk of having all accounts in Russian banks blocked. In some cases, accounts of relatives are also blocked, as seen with the wife of writer Boris Akunin. The list includes 52 minors, some suspected of terrorist activities, and is updated by investigative or judicial authorities' decisions.
Menshikova says that she received a letter from PayPal, informing her that her account would be terminated within three months due to "higher risk." PayPal stated that it reserves the right to close any account reported to have engaged in high-risk activity.
The use of this listing as a tool of repression has been evident, with recent additions including journalist Nadezhda Kevorkova, the art director and administrator of the Orenburg LGBT+ club Pose, researcher Boris Kagarlitsky, environmental activist Fail Alsynov, director Zhenya Berkovich, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk.
Anna Loiko, the editor of the independent Russian news site Sota, has been targeted by authorities for her critical reporting. On October 31, 2023, police raided her family home in Moscow and brought her mother in for questioning. Despite being detained previously for her work, Loiko continues to face significant threats as she remains in Georgia, a country with an extradition agreement with Russia.
Loiko was charged in absentia in November 2023, under the "justification of terrorism" clause of the Criminal Code. Loiko has been placed on an international wanted list, and a court officially arrested her in absentia on November 28. If extradited to Russia, her detention would begin immediately.
Maria Menshikova, the editor of DOXA, was charged with "terrorism" for her reporting on resistance to Russia's war in Ukraine in April, 2024. This is the second time Menshikova has faced such charges, with a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison. After being charged with a similar crime last year, she was added to Russia's wanted list and subsequently went into exile as the persecution of independent journalists escalated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of a democratic society and must be defended against all forms of repression. The targeting of journalists like Anna Loiko and Maria Menshikova is an attack on the very principles of free expression and human rights. Women Press Freedom stands with them and will continue to advocate for their safety and freedom. We call on the international community to condemn these actions and to support efforts to protect and uphold the freedom of the press. Independent journalism is vital for the truth and democracy, and we must collectively oppose any attempts to silence these voices.
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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