Court hands out sentences of over five years for extremism, accusing journalists of working for the late politician’s Anti-Corruption Foundation

A Russian court has issued a harsh sentence, convicting four journalists of extremism for their alleged connection to the Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Each journalist—Antonina Favorskaya, Konstantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Artyom Kriger—has been sentenced to five and a half years in a penal colony. This case highlights a disturbing trend in Russia’s judicial system, characterized by increasing intolerance toward dissent and independent journalism, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The proceedings against these journalists unfolded in a closed courtroom, emphasizing the environment of secrecy and repression that defines the current political landscape in Russia. These journalists have stated that their convictions are politically motivated and a direct consequence of their efforts to report on stories critical of the state and the administration under President Vladimir Putin. The trial reportedly lacked compelling evidence for the charges, which were rooted in the four's involvement in Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation—deemed extremist by the Kremlin—after similar actions were taken against other political activists and journalists linked to Navalny. In his closing remarks, Gabov notably called out the long-standing suppression present in Russia, drawing an implicit timeline of ongoing government repression. The sentences have sparked significant backlash from human rights advocates, who argue that this move is indicative of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and stifle freedom of the press. Supporters of the journalists gathered outside the courtroom, expressing their outrage and solidarity, while the defendants announced plans to appeal the verdicts. These convictions are symptomatic of a wider crackdown, where dissenters face severe repercussions not just in the legal realm but also in public perception and safety—a stark reminder of the challenges facing independent journalism in contemporary Russia.