WPF stands resolute in its condemnation of the recent detentions of journalists, activists, and mourners across Russia, following the tributes paid to Alexei Navalny, the opposition leader who died in prison under dubious circumstances.

Security services visited the DER SPIEGEL reporter’s home, warning her not to report on the demonstration

Moscow court found Alla Gutnikova, Natalia Tyshkevich, and two others guilty in the case of involving students' support of the opposition figure, Alexei Navalny.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin made sexist remarks against CNBC journalist Hadley Gamble during an interview. Putin implied that Hadley was too “pretty” to understand policy changes regarding the recent gas shortage in Europe. When pushed on the question, Putin displayed visible annoyance, adopting a pointedly rude demeanor. The sexist behaviour at the meeting was further amplified the next day when a Russian newspaper published a picture of Hadley alongside Putin, which clearly objectified her.

Three women journalists were detained by the police in Moscow while picketing outside the Ministry of Justice on September 8. Alesya Marokhovskaya, Polina Uzhvak, and Irina Dolinina were protesting the use of the term “foreign agent” for independent journalists. They held signs with messages translated as, “They are not foreign agents, they are journalists.” Police arrested the three women journalists and later escorted them to a police van, as seen in a video aired by Dozhd TV station. The CFWIJ condemns the detention and demands the immediate release of the journalists. We urge the authorities to stop labeling dissenting voices, particularly the press, as foreign agents.

Sarah Rainsford, a BBC correspondent in Moscow, was denied an extension to her work visa. According to the reports announced on Russia 24, she will have to leave the country by the end of August. The reasons behind the decision were explained as retaliation to the United Kingdom failing to grant visas to Russian journalists.

An attempt was made to hack into the phone of Irina Pankratova, a journalist associated with the publication, The Bell. Irina’s employer organization confirmed the news on their Telegram channel, the attackers tried to access phone and text communication records of the journalist, however remained unsuccessful in doing so. The attacker is yet to be identified. Even though the motive behind the attack is not apparent, Irina is not the first person who has been targeted in this manner in the country, raising concern within civil society.

Veronika Samusik, a correspondent for independent news website, Sota.Vision, was detained by the police on June 11. Veronika was covering an assignment at Red Square in Moscow, a performance by artist Pavel Krisevich in support of political prisoners. Police officers dressed in plainclothes approached Veronika and confiscated her camera and memory card as she was recording the event.

Mariya Nuykina was detained, arrested, and fined by Russian police authorities for covering protest movements. In response, Mariya filed a court appeal against the convictions. If accepted, the appeal will protect her from similar state persecution in the future and clear her of all charges. However, Mariya believes the court is unlikely to overturn the charges. CFWIJ stands in solidarity with Mariya and urges the judicial authorities to consider the journalist’s appeal.

Reporter Ekaterina Ishchenko was arbitrarily arrested and fined by state authorities as part of a coordinated plan to intimidate journalists. Once she was released, she faced a vitriolic organized troll campaign on social media as well. Several journalists including Ekaterina face regular institutional overreach as the state makes the environment more hostile towards journalists.

Journalist Daria Sivukhina was fired from her job on the orders of the mayor. The mayor’s office, it appears, created several professional hurdles for Daria, in retribution for Daria’s support of the mayor’s rival candidate. The issue was further aggravated when a humiliating video of the mayor was telecasted on national television through the broadcast network that employed Daria.