Russia blocks RSF website ahead of World Press Freedom Index release
The censorship of the entire rsf.org domain site began on 18 April 2024. No reason has been given. An RSF mirror site is nonetheless still accessible within Russia.
Russia: Increased targeting of Central Asians in wake of concert hall attack
“The authorities should stop their ethnic profiling of Central Asian migrants, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detention, and instead ensure their safety, thoroughly investigate all xenophobic incidents and hold those responsible to account” – HRW
Russia: Six reporters arrested in a span of a few hours
One arrested journalist, Konstantin Zharov, was beaten by police and threatened with sexual violence. Accused of “disobeying the police,” he is facing a possible fine and up to 15 days in detention.
Russia’s presidential election to take place amid state capture of civic space
“ARTICLE 19 urges the international community to respond strongly to the gross violations of the right to freedom of expression, the right to protest, and the right to vote in Russia, as well as to the extension of the presidential election to the Russia-occupied territories of Ukraine.”
Russia: Memorial co-chair sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for “discrediting” army
The charges stem from an article Oleg Orlov wrote criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and suggesting that Russia was descending into fascism.
Biden administration must accelerate efforts to free Vladimir Kara-Murza
In 2023, Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Russia on bogus charges for his criticism of Putin’s repressive government and the Kremlin’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Kremlin bears responsibility for Alexei Navalny’s death
“For more than a decade the Kremlin persecuted, imprisoned, and tormented Navalny. The Russian authorities bear full responsibility for what has happened to Navalny, starting with his first politically motivated arrest” – HRW
Russia designates ARTICLE 19 as an “undesirable” organisation
The “undesirable” designation ostensibly covers any foreign CSO deemed to pose a threat to Russia. However, in recent years it has been used to undermine the important rights work of international organisations.
Over 100 journalists targeted during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Reporters Without Borders has documented more than 50 attacks on over 100 journalists who have been killed, injured, kidnapped, taken hostage, tortured or caught up in bombings.
Russia adds Institute of Mass Information expert to list of “terrorists and extremists”
Russia declared Institute of Mass Information expert Iryna Zemlyana wanted in 2022, opening a criminal case against her on spurious charges of attacking the Russian ambassador in Poland during an anti-war protest.
Russia: Approximately 20 journalists arrested for covering Ukraine war protest
The detained journalists were covering a protest near the Kremlin by women demanding that their husbands be brought home from the front in Ukraine.
Russia puts best-selling author Boris Akunin on wanted list
UK-based Akunin was placed on the “foreign agents” list in January due to his opposition to Russia’s war in Ukraine. A criminal case has been opened against him for “justifying terrorism” and spreading “fake news” to discredit the Russian armed forces.
Anti-SLAPP campaigners stand in solidarity with exiled Russian authors
An appeal against an injunction granted against the book “The Compatriots: The Brutal and Chaotic History of Russia’s Exiles, Émigrés and Agents Abroad” will be heard in Germany on 8 December.
Russian Supreme Court bans ‘LGBT movement’ as ‘extremist’
“The assault on LGBTQI+ rights has become a symbol of Russia’s rejection of universal human rights, as the government positions Russia as the defender of so-called traditional values in opposition to ‘the collective West'” – HRW