- Daria Komarova, a Russian journalist, faces a possible arrest for reporting on the “unauthorized” protests, according to the Committee for the Protection of Journalists.
- She documented protests during which demonstrators demanded the release of Putin’s critic Alexei Navalny.
- Komarova reported on the demonstrations on behalf of an outlet funded by the US Congress.
- You can find more articles on the Insider Business page.
A Russian journalist faces three lawsuits and possible fines or imprisonment after reporting on protests in support of Alexei Navalny earlier this year.
Navalny, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is serving a two and a half year sentence in a Russian prison for skipping parole meetings. His lawyer said he missed the meetings because he was undergoing treatment for nerve gas poisoning in Berlin. Navalny accused Putin of ordering the poisoning.
Daria Komarova Documented Pro-Navy demonstrations on behalf of Idel.Realii, a local subsidiary of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, which is funded by Congress.
However, the Russian government claims that Komarova took part in unauthorized protests last year and this January.
The Committee for the Protection of Journalists has asked the Russian authorities to do so Drop all charges against Komarova.
“The Russian authorities continue to unjustly persecute and legally harass journalists for reporting on the protests,” said Gulnosa, program coordinator for Europe and Central Asia in the journalists’ protection committee. “The Russian authorities should drop all charges against RFE / RL journalist Daria Komarova and allow her and other press representatives to work freely and safely.”
While in prison, Navalny went on a hunger strike for 23 days and asked for medical treatment. His doctors warned that he could He’s dying any moment For lack of treatment.
Navalny’s arrest sparked the wrath of prominent politicians, including President Joe Biden and human rights organizations.
Biden condemned Navalny’s treatment in prison as “completely inappropriate” and “unfair”. In a more aggressive move, Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said last month Russia faces sanctions When Navalny dies in state custody.
If convicted, Komarova could be fined up to 50,000 rubles, or $ 651, for any protest she accuses of illegally participating. According to the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, it can also be punished with 15 days of administrative detention for any protest.
“The justification given by the Russian authorities for violating RFE / RL journalist Daria Komarova’s right to cover local news events is ridiculous and scary,” said Jimmy Fly, head of RFE / RL in a newspaper. statement Published in Idel.Realii. “Journalism is not a crime.”
Insider treats the Daria Komarova case as part of An alliance of the free pressThis sensitizes persecuted journalists around the world.
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