Russia: Second Administrative Case Against Yulia Taratuta Under Foreign Agent Law
Authorities escalate prosecutions of exiled journalists under draconian law designed to silence critical voices
Location: Russia
Date: July 17, 2024
Women Press Freedom condemns the legal harassment of journalist Yulia Taratuta, host at TV Rain. Taratuta is among the growing number of exiled journalists facing fines and potential criminal charges under Russia's oppressive “foreign agent” law for allegedly failing to comply with its stringent requirements. This latest action marks a continued escalation in Russia’s campaign to intimidate and punish those who dare to report independently and truthfully from abroad. Women Press Freedom strongly denounces this transnational repression and calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with Taratuta and other exiled journalists who remain vulnerable to state-sanctioned reprisals from Russia for continuing to report.
On July 17, 2024, Moscow’s Perovsky District Court initiated proceedings against Yulia Taratuta for allegedly failing to submit reports mandated by the “foreign agent” law.
This law, enacted in 2012, requires those designated as foreign agents by Russian authorities to file quarterly reports detailing their activities and finances. Those listed must also include a “foreign agent” disclaimer on all their published content.
Taratuta, who was first added to the foreign agent register in December 2022, was previously fined 30,000 rubles ($349) in August 2023 for a similar infraction.
As a prominent journalist, she has built a distinguished career with mainstream media, including the Russian editions of Newsweek and Forbes. In March 2022, Taratuta, along with her daughter and husband, fellow TV Rain presenter Mikhail Fishman, left Russia. Their journey took them from Azerbaijan to Israel, before finally settling in Amsterdam, where TV Rain has established a new studio.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the ongoing persecution of Yulia Taratuta and her exiled colleagues. The Kremlin’s transnational repression against journalists abroad is intensifying, with 36 cases documented against women journalists outside Russia’s borders in 2024 alone. This disturbing trend shows the Kremlin's resolve to silence independent voices that expose its authoritarian regime. We call on host countries providing refuge to these journalists to ensure that Russia's repressive tactics do not compromise their safety or ability to continue their vital work. Their reporting on Russia, the war in Ukraine, and the crackdown on dissent must not only be protected but also actively supported.
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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