A Russian court sentenced four journalists to five and a half years in prison for extremism due to their ties with an anti-corruption organization founded by the late Alexei Navalny, as part of a broader crackdown on Kremlin critics. The trial, held behind closed doors, reflects intensified suppression of dissent since Russia's military actions in Ukraine began in February 2022, with the journalists maintaining their innocence and attributing their prosecution to their professional work. This case exemplifies the growing challenges for media professionals in Russia, where the distinction between journalism and criminal activity is increasingly blurred, raising international concerns about freedom of speech and press.
