Three Russian journalists were arrested and detained on Friday and Saturday as Russia continues its crackdown on media in the country.
On Saturday, Konstantin Gabov and Sergei Karelin were indicted on charges of “extremism.” Associated Press (Associated Press) first reported. They are accused of collaborating with political groups linked to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison earlier this year.
The two will be detained for at least two months pending trial. If convicted of this charge, he faces a sentence of two to six years in prison.
Forbes Russia reporter Sergey Mingazov He was also arrested on Friday.his lawyer told The Associated Press on charges of disseminating false information. Prosecutors said he was jailed for reporting on suspected Russian war crimes in the Ukrainian city of Bucha.
All three journalists jailed in recent days are Russian citizens. Karelin has dual citizenship with Israel and previously worked as a cameraman for the Associated Press and German news agency Deutsche Welle.
“The Associated Press is deeply concerned about the detention of Russian video journalist Sergei Karelin,” the Associated Press said in a statement. “We are requesting additional information.”
Mingazov previously worked as a freelance reporter for Reuters and Deutsche Welle.
Russian prosecutors said the journalists were working with the Anti-Corruption Foundation, a watchdog group linked to Navalny’s opposition. Russian critics and the US government have accused the Russian leader of being responsible for Navalny’s death.
The arrests come as the Russian government steps up its crackdown on dissent as the invasion of Ukraine enters its third year. Immediately after the war, the government passed a law criminalizing false information about the military or statements deemed to undermine its credibility, effectively outlawing criticism of the Ukraine war or speech that deviates from the official narrative.
Among the journalists detained in Russia is an American, Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal. Last month, Gershkovic was sentenced to one year in prison on espionage charges. The Journal and the State Department have slammed the charges as false, and the Biden administration has vowed to pursue a prisoner exchange to free him.
Mr. Gershković has not yet been tried and will remain in custody until at least June, pending trial.
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