Russian journalists and human rights activists came out in support of SotaVision correspondent Antonina Favorskaya. She was arrested in the case of participation in the activities of FBK

Representatives of Russian independent media and human rights organizations published an open letter in support of SotaVision journalist Antonina Favorskaya, who was arrested on charges of participating in FBK activities.

The authors of the appeal called on the international community to pay close attention to the persecution of the journalist “in the context of the worsening anti-democratic regime in Russia.”

Even against the backdrop of the established practice in Russia of persecuting journalists, human rights activists, politicians and ordinary citizens for expressing opinions and disseminating information, the Favorskaya case marks a new stage, when the journalistic work itself on covering topics sensitive to the authorities is directly regarded as criminal. <…>

Thus, the Russian authorities have come up with a final formula in which not only opposition politicians are recognized as criminals and “extremists,” but also the lawyers who defend them and, finally, the journalists who cover their struggle.

The letter called on representatives of democratic countries and interstate structures to support demands to stop the practice of persecuting journalists in Russia and immediately release Favorskaya, expand programs to support Russian independent media and human rights defenders, and also increase efforts aimed at preventing repressive practices in the Russian Federation and the release of political prisoners from Russian prisons.

The appeal is addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Among those who signed the appeal are the editors of SotaVision, Mediazona, representatives of Novaya Gazeta Europe, The New Times, New Tab, Deutsche Welle, Important Stories, as well as human rights projects For Human Rights and First Department".

• On March 29, the Basmanny Court of Moscow sent photographer and journalist of the SotaVision publication Antonina Favorskaya (real name Kravtsov) to a pre-trial detention center until May 28. A criminal case was opened against her under the article on “participation in an extremist community” (Part 2 of Article 282.1 of the Criminal Code).
• Favorskaya was accused of collecting material, producing and editing videos and publications for the Anti-Corruption Foundation. The journalist does not admit guilt; FBK stated that Favorskaya did not publish anything on the foundation’s sites. After the court hearing, RusNews reported , they were taken away in the same paddy wagon with one of the defendants in the case of the terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall, Nazrimad Lutfulloi. On March 29, the Basmanny court sent him into custody.
• Favorskaya covered the trials involving Alexei Navalny. She attended almost all meetings on the politician’s claims, which were considered in the courts in Vladimir and Kovrov, Vladimir region. The journalist filmed the last video with Navalny on February 15.