KE condemned the sentencing in Russia of journalists accused of ties to Navalny’s foundation

The European Commission condemned the sentencing in Russia of four journalists accused of links to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), founded by Aleksei Navalny. We stand with all political prisoners in Russia – stated the spokesperson of the EC Anitta Hipper, demanding their immediate release.

“Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and its war against free and brave voices in (that country – PAP), which demand democracy and freedom of speech. Russia fears these free voices and has so far imprisoned hundreds of innocent journalists, opposition members, and human rights defenders, as well as ordinary Russians. Therefore, we condemn the latest prison sentence (issued) for political reasons (…) against four independent Russian journalists: Antonina, Konstantin, Sergei, and Artyom” – Hipper said on Wednesday at a press conference in Brussels.

She added that the EC is exerting international pressure on Russia regarding human rights violations and supports specific individuals, including by monitoring their court proceedings.

“We also provide support to civil society, human rights defenders, activists, and independent media – both in Russia and outside of it. Russian non-governmental organizations, for example, receive support from the European Union for the legal defense of political prisoners” – the spokesperson reminded.

A court in Moscow sentenced on Tuesday four journalists accused of links to the FBK foundation, founded by anti-Kremlin oppositionist Aleksei Navalny, who died in 2024 in a penal colony under unexplained circumstances, to 5.5 years in prison.

The independent Russian portal Meduza emphasized that the journalists – Antonina Faworska, Sergei Karelin, Konstantin Gabow, and Artyom Kriger – were sentenced for their professional activities. All were accused of participating in the activities of an “extremist organization,” which was deemed to be the FBK. Investigators claimed that the journalists participated in preparing FBK materials, but none of the accused admitted guilt. Details of the investigation are not known, and the trial was held behind closed doors. (18.04.2025)