For independent media and other democratic institutions, 2025 marks a significant break from developments in recent years. There has been unprecedented polarisation, not only within the societies and cultures of the countries monitored by the Justice for Journalists Foundation, but also within states which have traditionally been considered as allies. Countries which until very recently appeared to be united in their support of humanitarian values, the democratic division of powers, and freedom of the media have displayed worrying signs of change.
Very rapidly, authoritarian rhetoric and behaviour, a disregard for pluralism, fear of factual reporting, withdrawal from civilised debate, and a defensive reaction to any critical voices have seeped through institutions in many Euro-Atlantic democratic states. We are witnessing how the USA, and certain Western and Eastern European countries are now behaving according to the Eastern dictators’ rule books. This is happening despite of years of investment in democratic institutions, media literacy, and educational and humanitarian programmes.
What follows is a summary of the most important trends and developments in the media landscape of 12 post-Soviet states (except for the three Baltic States) over the last eight years.
MECHANISMS THAT DESTROY MEDIA FREEDOM
The Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ), together with its local partners in 12 post-Soviet states, has been studying the developments of the media landscape since 2017. Thirty years ago, countries such as Russia, Belarus and even Kyrgyzstan, had numerous political parties, competitive elections, a plethora of non-state independent media and a seemingly independent judiciary. All of that has now been wiped out. According to the international non-profit organisation, Reporters without Borders (RSF), only Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine remain in a shrinking camp of countries with a press freedom index of at least 60 points out of 100. All the others have fallen out of the top 100 places in the survey of 180 countries.
The mechanisms that have permitted these three very different post-Soviet countries to remain among their democratic peers so far are well-researched: sturdy media laws, an independent judiciary, resilient journalistic unions and NGOs and, of course, their governments respect alternative opinions.
The remnants of the free media in the other nine post-Soviet countries have been destroyed by the state seizing the main media outlets; repressive legislation which criminalises all dissenting voices; judiciaries manipulated by the executive branch of power; and full impunity for often atrocious attacks against media workers and their families.
TYPES AND METHODS OF ATTACKS AGAINST THE MEDIA
Between 2017 and 2024, JFJ and its local partners have collected and analysed over 25,000 verified incidents of physical, cyber and legal attacks against independent media outlets and professional and citizen media workers that took place in the 12 post-Soviet countries investigated. The graph below shows the distribution of the types of attacks during this period:
Turkmenistan has been the main trendsetter for authoritarian regimes in the region, demonstrating total impunity for state-orchestrated attacks against any and all independent voices. Over the past eight years, the media landscape in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and later in Belarus and Russia, has undergone rapid “Turkmenisation,” followed by similar trends in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and now Georgia. The other autocracies followed Turkmenistan’s lead with methods of attacks including:
- Closure or seizure of non-state media;
- Criminalising non-compliant foreign and domestic outlets and media workers under various pretexts (labelling them as foreign agents; terrorist/extremist sympathisers; of stirring up national/religious/social hatred; being disseminators of fakes, etc.);
- Complete or partial blocking of the Internet;
- Turning state-owned media resources into troll factories spreading lies, disinformation and propaganda;
- Direct threats against media workers and pressure on their family members;
- Detentions, arrests, punitive psychiatry and lengthy prison sentences,
- Confiscation/damage of property, transport, equipment, material;
- Beatings, torture and murder of journalists, including when in prison.
FALLING NUMBER OF ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA
The cases documented in the reports and available on the JFJ’s Media Risk Map demonstrate how stronger authoritarian tendencies inevitably lead to a deterioration of the independent media, irrespective of a country’s size and population. The prosecution of independent voices peaks at a time of political or social turmoil such as during the presidential elections in Belarus in 2020; when there were COVID-related restrictions in each country in 2020-2021; Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine; the post-election clampdown on the media by the new rulers of Kyrgyzstan in 2022; or Georgia’s U-turn on EU accession in 2024.
As Graph 2 demonstrates, following the peaks in repressions, the number of attacks against the independent media outlets and workers steeply declined. However, this is not something to celebrate, as the only reason for this drop is the rapid shrinking of the number of journalists who remain free to do their jobs. Many have either been arrested, forced into exile, or have had to change their profession.
PERPETRATORS OF ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA
In Turkmenistan, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan extreme cases of attacks against the free media still occur, predominantly carried out by the authorities. Journalists who are already in prison are targets, as are the families of exiled media workers.
Overall, the eight-year trend demonstrates a slow but steady increase in attacks perpetrated by representatives of the state or local authorities.
TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSIONS (TNR)
Another steadily developing, albeit underreported, trend in the region is transnational repressions (TNR). One type of TNR observed in the region is where one authoritarian government does a favour to another by arresting or kidnapping a dissident media worker who had sought refuge within its borders and then hands them over to the country seeking them. The following examples demonstrate the improved international cooperation of the security forces who are facing no bigger danger than the truth.
- Komyor Mirzoyev, Tajik blogger, detained in Moscow, kidnapped and taken to Dushanbe, September 2022
- Farkhad Durdyev (Farkhad Meimankuliev), Rovshen Klychev and Serdar Durdylyev, Turkmen bloggers and activists, extradited from Turkey; nothing heard from them since May 2023
- Lev Skoryakin, Russian left-wing activist and anarchist, kidnapped in Bishkek, taken in handcuffs to the Butyrka prison in Moscow, October 2023
- Vladislav Ivanenko, Kazakh journalist, arrested in Perm, Russia, stripped of his Russian residence permit and deported to Kazakhstan, November 2023
- Bolot Temirov, a Kazakh journalist with a Kyrgyz passport, was stripped of his Kyrgyz citizenship and extradited to Russia in January 2022. His wife and colleague, Makhamat Tazhibek Kyzy, was tortured in prison and sentenced to six years for calling for mass riots; son threatened with orphanage, October 2024
- Afghan Sadigov, an Azerbaijani journalist living in Georgia, was arrested in August 2024 and is awaiting extradition to Azerbaijan, where he was previously jailed.
Another type of TNR is where inconvenient media workers are hunted across the world by assassins, provocateurs and/or special service agents, resulting in murder or various types of harassment:
- Assassination attempts (two successful) against oppositional Chechen bloggers in Sweden, France, Finland, Austria and Germany, 2020-21
- Participants of Zhanna Nemtsova’s Prague School of Journalists, subjected to a GRU special operation by the infiltrated agent Pablo Gonzales/ Pavel Rubtsov, 2017-2022
- Elena Kostuchenko, Irina Babloyan and Natalya Arno, Russian media workers, allegedly poisoned while in Europe for conferences, October 2022 – October 2023
- Marfa Smirnova, Alesya Marakhovskaya and Irina Dolinina, Russian media workers, private information about them was published (they were “doxxed”), aggressively put under surveillance and threatened in Tbilisi, Georgia and Prague, Czech Republic, from 2022-present
- Vidadi Iskenderli, an Azerbaijani opposition figure and human rights activist, was murdered in his flat in France on 1 October 2024.
TARGETING MEDIA WORKERS IN UKRAINE
According to the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, Russian troops have not been complying with the rules of warfare. Over throughout the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the status of “Press” does not provide any protection for journalists. At least 18 media workers (both Ukrainian and international) have died while performing their professional duties; nine died as a result of collateral damage, and at least 84 journalists have died while serving in the armed forces.
Verified data confirms that 12 media workers have died as a result of enemy shelling. Among them are seven foreign journalists: Ryan Evans, Arman Soldin, Frédéric Leclerc-Imhoff, Mantas Kvedaravičius, Pierre Zakrzewski, Oksana Baulina, Brent Renaud; and five Ukrainian journalists: Oleksandra Kuvshinova, Maks Levin, Bohdan Bitik, Yevhenii Sakun and Viktoriya Ameilina.
Additionally, at least four Ukrainian media workers were tortured and killed in Russian-occupied territories: Yevgeny Bal, Zoreslav Zamoysky, Roman Nezhyborets and photojournalist Ihor Hudenko.
Journalist Victoria Roshina was kidnapped, held hostage incommunicado and then died in Russian captivity. Her body has still not been returned to her family.
MEDIA WORKERS BEHIND BARS (AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT, FEBRUARY 2025)
In Azerbaijan, 36 media workers are in prison:
- Alasgar Mammadli, founder, Toplum TV
- Arshad Ibrahimov, head, DUNYANINSESI.AZ
- Arzu Sayadoglu, blogger
- Aslan Gurbanov, blogger
- Avaz Zeynalli, chief editor, Khural Media
- Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh), chief editor, Meydan TV
- Aysel Umudova, journalist, Meydan TV
- Aytaj Ahmadova, journalist, Meydan TV
- Aziz Orujov, director, Kanal 13
- Elnara Gasimova, journalist, Abzas Media
- Elnur Shukurov, head, SADA TV YouTube channel
- Farid Ismayilov, journalist, Toplum TV
- Farid Mekhralizade, journalist and economist, Radio Azadliq
- Hafiz Babali, journalist, Abzas Media
- İbrahim Humbatov (Gubadoglu), head, AZERINFO.AZ
- Imran Aliyev, editor, Meclis.info
- Jamil Mammadli, journalist
- Khayala Aghayeva, journalist, Meydan TV
- Mahammad Kekalov, Abzas Media
- Matlab Bagirov, director, SalamNews Information Agency and İnterAz
- Mushfig Jabbar, journalist, Toplum TV
- Nargiz Absalamova, journalist, Abzas Media
- Natiq Javadli, journalist, Meydan TV
- Nurlan Gahramanli (Libre), founder, Portağal Media
- Osman Narimanoglu Rzayev, editor, demokratik.az
- Osman Narimanoglu, editor, DEMOKRAT.AZ
- Polad Aslanov, chief editor, Xeberman and Press-az
- Ramin Jabrailzadeh (Deko), journalist, Meydan TV
- Rashad Ramazanov, blogger
- Sevinj Vagifgizi, editor-in-chief, Abzas Media
- Shahnaz Beylyarghizi, TV anchor, Toplum TV
- Shamshad Agha, journalist, argument.az
- Teymur Karimov, director, You-Tube channel Kanal 11
- Ulvi Hasanli, director, Abzas Media
- Vugar Gurdganli (Alekberov), founder, Az24saat.org
- Zaur Gambarov, director, SARKAZM.AZ portal
In Belarus, at least 39 media workers are in prison, according to the Belarusian Association of Journalists. (The names of several media workers are not included for safety reasons.)
- Alena Tsimashchuk, TV and Radio Company Brest
- Ales (Aliaksandr) Liubianchuk, Belsat
- Ales Marchanka, Belsat
- Ales Sabaleuski, 6TV Belarus
- Aliaksandr Ihnatsiuk, About Stolin
- Aliaksandr Mantsevich, Rehijanaĺnaja hazieta
- Aliaksandr Ziankou, Belsat
- Andrei Aliaksandrau, BelaPAN
- Andrei Famin, Samizdat Vestnik
- Andrei Kuznechyk, Radio Svaboda
- Andrej Pachobut (Andrzej Poczobut), Gazeta Wyborcza
- Anton Kazelski, ONT
- Damiil Palianski, freelance journalist
- Dzianis Ivashyn, Novy Chas
- Dzmitry Semchanka, ex-journalist ONT TV
- Dzmitryi Navazhylau, BelaPAN
- Ihar Ilyash, freelance journalist
- Ihar Karnei, freelance journalist
- Ihar Losik, Radio Svaboda
- Iryna Slaunikava, Belsat
- Kanstantsin Zalatykh, European Radio for Belarus
- Katsiaryna Andreeva, Belast
- Larysa Shchyrakova, Belsat
- Liudmila Chekina, TUT.by
- Maryna Zolatava, TUT.by
- Pavel Mazheika, Belsat
- Pavel Padabed, Belsat
- Ruslan Raviaka, journalist
- Siarhei Chabotska, s13.ru
- Siarhei Satsuk, Ej.by
- Valerija Kastsiugova, Our Opinion
- Viachaslau Lazarau, Belsat
- Volha Radzivonava, freelance journalist
- Workers of the Intex-press editorial office
- Yauhen Hlushkou, freelance videographer
- Yauhen Merkis, Belsat
- Yauhen Nikalaevich, Media-Polesye
In January 2025 in Georgia, Mzia Amaglobeli, founder of the independent Georgian outlets Netgazeti and Batumelebi was arrested in Batumi during anti-government protests. Amaglobeli faces charges of assaulting a police officer, which carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
In Kazakhstan, six media workers are in prison:
- Danat Namazbaev, blogger
- Daniyar Adilbekov, author of the Telegram channel Dikaya Orda
- Ermek Taichibekov, blogger
- Mahambet Abzhan, Abzhan News
- Temirlan Ensebek, blogger of satirical Instagram account Qaznews24
- Vladimir Severny, journalist
In Kyrgyzstan, five media workers are in prison:
- Askat Zhetigen, blogger
- Azamat Ishenbekov, akyn and human rights defender
- Kanykei Aranova, activist
- Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy, YouTube-channel Temirov Live
- Zarina Torokulova, blogger
At least 44 media workers are serving their time or awaiting trial behind bars in Russia:
- Abdulmumin Gadzhiev, journalist, religion editor, Chernovik
- Aleksandr Dorogov, co-deputy chief editor, Rosderzhava
- Aleksandr Strukov, photographer
- Aleksey Sidorov, YouTube blogger
- Alexander Nozdrinov, blogger
- Alexey Frolov, editor-in-chief, Novaya Gazeta – Ryazan
- Anna Bazhutova, Twitch streamer
- Antonina Favorskaya, journalist, SOTAvision
- Artyom Kriger, journalist, SOTAvision
- Askhabali Alibekov, blogger, YouTube-channel Dikiy desantnik
- Bulat Shumekov, blogger
- Daniel Kholodny, technician, YouTube channel Navalny
- Darya Poliudova, blogger, political activist
- Denis Shaikin, publisher, Kursk Week
- Dmitry Chebanov, administrator, Telegram-channel Chto Delat!
- Dmitry Ivanov, founder, Telegram-channel Protest MSU
- Eduard Shmonin, editor-in-chief of OTB Yugra
- Felix Eliseev, administrator of the Telegram channel Kolkhoz Madness
- Igor Kuznetsov, journalist, RusNews
- Ismail Isaev, blogger, Telegram-channel Osal Nakh 95
- Ivan Safronov, former defense reporter, Kommersant
- Konstantin Gabov, journalist, DW, Reuters
- Konstantin Smirnov, editor-in-chief, founder, Vid Sboku
- Maria Ponomarenko, journalist, RusNews
- Mikhail Afanasyev, founder and publisher, Novy Fokus
- Nika Novak, former editor-in-chief, Zab.ru
- Olga Komleva, journalist, RusNews
- Parvnia Abuzarova, blogger
- Ramilya Saitova, activist, blogger
- Roman Ivanov, journalist, RusNews
- Ruslan Ushakov, administrator, Telegram channel Real Crime
- Salekh Magamadov, blogger, Telegram-channel Osal Nakh 95
- Sergey Karelin, freelance videographer
- Sergey Komandirov, founder, Telegram-channel Trebuyem otvetov. Rossiya
- Sergey Mikhaylov, editor-in-chief, Listok
- Sergey Mingazov, journalist, Forbes
- Sergey Veselov, blogger
- Valentin Shlyakov, YouTube-blogger
- Vladislav Malushenko, administrator, Telegram channel Scanner
- Vladislav Sinitsa, blogger
- Vsevolod Koroyov, documentary filmmaker
- Yan Katelevskiy, co-deputy chief editor, Rosderzhava
- Yevgeny Chafonov, blogger
- Yevgeny Moskvin, administrator, Telegram channel Scanner
In Tajikistan, 12 media workers are in prison:
- Abdullo Gurbati
- Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda
- Ahmad Ibrohim
- Akhmadshoh Komilzoda
- Daler Imomali
- Khikmatullo Saifullozoda
- Khurshed Fozilov
- Khushruz Chumyaev
- Muhammadi Sulton
- Rukhshona Hakimova
- Ulfathonim Mamadshoev
- Zavkibek Saidamini
According to the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, at least 30 civilian media workers are held in captivity in Russian prisons and detention centres, including at least 14 Ukrainian journalists captured since February 2022 and 18 Crimean journalists captured since 2014.
Crimean journalists:
- Amet Suleymanov, citizen journalist
- Asan Akhtemov, journalist, assistant editor of the newspaper Avdet
- Aziz Azizov, citizen journalist, Crimean Solidarity
- Dmytro Shtyblikov, journalist
- Ernes Ametov, citizen journalist
- Iryna Danylovych, citizen journalist, Crimean Process
- Marlen Asanov, citizen journalist
- Oleksiy Bessarabov, journalist
- Osman Arifmemetov, freelance journalist
- Remzi Bekirov, journalist, Grani
- Ruslan Suleymanov, citizen journalist
- Rustem Osmanov, citizen journalist, Crimean Solidarity
- Rustem Sheikhaliev, freelance journalist
- Seiran Saliev, citizen journalist
- Server Mustafayev, citizen journalist
- Timur Ibragimov, citizen journalist
- Vilen Temeryanov, freelance journalist
- Vladislav Yesypenko, journalist of the Krym.Realii project of Radio Liberty
Ukrainian journalists:
- Oleksii Bessarabov, political analyst, journalist, Hlavred, deputy editor-in-chief, Chornomorska Bezpeka
- Volodymyr Dudka, journalist, Chornomorska Bezpeka
- Dmytro Shtyblykov, journalist, deputy editor-in-chief, Chornomorska Bezpeka
- Dmytro Khyliuk, journalist, UNIAN news agency
- Serhii Tsyhipa, journalist
- Yevhen Ilchenko, administrator, Telegram channel Milyi Topol
- Heorhii Levchenko, administrator, Telegram channel RIA Melitopol
- Anastasiya Hlukhovska, former journalist, Telegram channel RIA Melitopol
- Vladislav Hershon, administrator of the chat room, Melitopol is Ukraine
- Yana Suvorova, administrator, Telegram channel Melitopol is Ukraine
- Oleksandr Malyshev, administrator, Telegram channel Melitopol is Ukraine
- Maksym Rupchev, administrator, Telegram channel Melitopol is Ukraine
- Mark Kaliush, administrator, Telegram channel Melitopol is Ukraine
- Hennadii Osmak, journalist, former editor-in-chief, New Visit
In Uzbekistan, 11 bloggers and media workers are in prison:
- Abdukodir Muminov, blogger
- Abdulkhakim Abjalilov, administrator, Telegram channel “Achchiq haqiqat” (“Bitter Truth”)
- Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, journalist, human rights defender
- Dildora Khakimova, blogger
- Fozilhuja Arifkhodjaev
- Khurshid Daliyev, director, Human.az
- Lemara Mirzaakhmedova, blogger
- Murod Makhsudov, blogger
- Nargiza Keldiyorova, blogger
- Olimjon Khaidarov, blogger
- Salamat Seitmuratov, founder, Halyk TV channel