Russian journalist Ekaterina Barabash Flees House arrest, Surfaces in Paris
PARIS — May 7, 2024 — In a daring escape, Russian journalist Ekaterina Barabash, who reported on Russia’s military actions, fled house arrest and resurfaced in Paris. The 64-year-old faced potential imprisonment for spreading “false facts”. Her dramatic journey highlights the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Russia. For more details, read on.
Russian journalist Ekaterina barabash Escapes House Arrest,Flees to Paris
Ekaterina Barabash,a 64-year-old Russian journalist who dared to report on Russia’s military actions in Ukraine,has successfully fled house arrest and surfaced in Paris. She faced charges of spreading false facts
about the Russian military and risked a decade in prison.
The Charges and Escape
Ms. Barabash, who wrote for several media outlets, including the Russian pages of Radio France International (RFI), was arrested in February and placed under house arrest with an electronic foot monitor. The charges stemmed from her social media posts, which authorities deemed to be spreading false information.
Facing a potential ten-year prison sentence and designation as a foreign agent,
Ms. Barabash contemplated suicide.
I started to look for married. Russian prisons,there is no life. It’s worse than death.
Ekaterina Barabash
Her trial was scheduled to begin on April 21, but she was nowhere to be found. For weeks, her whereabouts remained a mystery to both russian authorities and international media.
Did You Know?
The Russian government has significantly tightened its grip on media freedom as the invasion of Ukraine, making it increasingly dangerous for journalists to report independently.
Emergence in Paris
The mystery surrounding Ms. Barabash’s disappearance was resolved when she appeared at a press conference in Paris, alongside Reporters Without borders (RSF). She shared details of her escape, though both she and RSF are being cautious about revealing specific routes and methods to protect others who may attempt similar journeys.
Ms. Barabash revealed that she removed her electronic foot monitor early in her escape.
it’s a place in the Russian forests.
Ekaterina Barabash
She emphasized that while manny individuals assisted her, the most perilous moments were faced alone.
I crossed all the boundaries alone.
Ekaterina Barabash
Pro Tip
Organizations like Reporters Without Borders provide crucial support to journalists facing persecution and censorship around the world.Consider donating to support their work.
Thibaut Bruttin, head of RSF, commended Ms. Barabash’s resilience, noting the numerous challenges and plan alterations during the escape.
Several times we thought she had been arrested or in danger of being arrested. once we thought she was dead.
Thibaut Bruttin, RSF
Mr. Bruttin described the escape as a message of hope
for other Russian journalists facing similar pressures.
Russia’s Press Freedom Ranking
Russia ranks 171st out of 180 countries in RSF’s latest Press Freedom Index. At least 38 journalists are currently imprisoned in the contry. In contrast, Norway tops the list, highlighting the stark differences in press freedom around the world. Press -Free Heart Index
RSF’s Ongoing Efforts
RSF has a history of assisting journalists in leaving Russia, including Marina Ovsyannikova, who gained international attention for protesting against the war during a live television broadcast in 2022.
Mr. bruttin acknowledged the increasing difficulty of helping journalists escape Russia but affirmed RSF’s commitment to supporting independant journalism.
There is no need to despair. There are no of course. RSF is ready to help everyone who represents independent journalism.
Thibaut bruttin, RSF
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ekaterina Barabash flee Russia?
She fled to avoid a potential ten-year prison sentence for spreading what Russian authorities deemed false information
about the military.
What is Reporters Without Borders (RSF)?
RSF is an international organization that works to protect journalists and promote freedom of the press worldwide.
