UN High Commissioner Calls for End to Crackdown on Journalists in Russia
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged Russia to halt its crackdown on journalists following President Vladimir Putin’s fifth term inauguration. Volker Türk expressed deep concern over the rising number of journalists facing charges, convictions, and imprisonment for their independent reporting, signaling a concerning escalation in stifling dissenting voices.
Concerns Over Attacks on Free Speech
Türk described the continuous assault on free speech and the criminalization of independent journalism in Russia as highly troubling. The recent crackdown on journalists’ independent work must cease immediately, emphasizing the importance of upholding the right to information as a fundamental aspect of freedom of expression.
Criminal Charges and Lengthy Sentences
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that the number of imprisoned journalists in Russia has reached a record high since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Currently, around 30 journalists are detained under various criminal charges, including terrorism, extremism, spreading false information about the armed forces, espionage, treason, and other offenses.
Twelve journalists are serving sentences ranging from five-and-a-half to 22 years, with notable figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza, a columnist for The Washington Post, among them.
Control of the Narrative
Recent months have seen an increase in administrative and criminal charges against journalists critical of Russia’s actions in Ukraine or associated with opposition figures like Alexey Navalny. The Russian authorities aim to tighten control over the narrative, limiting access to diverse sources of information and hindering informed decision-making on crucial public matters.
Call for Release of Jailed Journalists
The UN rights chief called for amendments to the broad legislative framework targeting terrorism and extremism, emphasizing the need for journalists to work in a safe environment without fear of reprisals. Türk urged the Russian authorities to drop charges against journalists detained for their work and to release them promptly in line with international human rights standards.