Russian journalists linked to Navalny’s group face ‘extremism’ charges
Russian journalists facing charges of extremism remain in custody pending trial as part of a broader crackdown on dissent
On Saturday, two Russian journalists arrested by their government on charges of “extremism” were ordered by a court to remain in custody pending investigation and trial.
Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin, accused of links to a group founded by the late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, have pleaded not guilty but will be detained for at least two months before any trial.
Among the charges against them are allegations of links to an extremist organization, with potential sentences ranging from two to six years, according to Russian judicial authorities.
Their arrest is part of a growing crackdown on dissent and independent media following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago.
The Russian government passed a law criminalizing the dissemination of false information about the military or statements deemed to discredit the military, effectively suppressing criticism of the war in Ukraine or deviations from the official narrative.
Gabov and Karelin allegedly contributed content to a YouTube channel associated with Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, which has been declared illegal by Russian authorities.
Navalny himself died in February while in custody at a penal colony in the Arctic.
Source: AP
