Media Workers Behind Bars - Justice for Journalists

Ukrainian journalists, Crimea

Vilen Temeryanov, Crimean Solidarity

Charged with “Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and “Violent attempt to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Iryna Danylovych, Crimean Process

Sentenced to 6 years and 11 months for “Illegal storage of explosives by an organised group” (Art. 222.1)

Rustem Sheikhaliev, Grani.ru

Sentenced to 14 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and “Violent attempt to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Amet Suleymanov, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 12 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and “Violent attempt to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Marlen Asanov, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 19 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and “Violent attempt to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Ruslan Suleymanov, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 14 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and “Propaganda of terrorism" (Art. 205.2)

Timur Ibrahimov, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 17 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and “Violent attempt to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Asan Akhtemov, Avdet

Sentenced to 15 years for "Sabotage by an organised group" (Art. 281.2), " Illegal storage of explosives by an organised group" (Art. 222.1) and "Smuggling of explosive devices by an organised group" (Art. 226.1)

Aziz Azizov, Crimean Solidarity

Charged with "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5)

Remzi Bekirov, Grani.ru, Crimean Solidarity

Sentenced to 19 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and "Violent attempts to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Ernes Ametov, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 11 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and "Propaganda of terrorism" (Art. 205.2)

Osman Arifmemetov, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 14 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and "Propaganda of terrorism" (Art. 205.2)

Rustem Osmanov, Crimean Solidarity

Charged with "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5)

Server Mustafaiev, Crimean Solidarity

Sentenced to 14 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and "Violent attempts to seize state power" (Art. 278)

Seiran Saliev, Citizen journalist

Sentenced to 15 years for "Participation in a terrorist organisation” (Art. 205.5) and "Propaganda of terrorism" (Art. 205.2)

Volodymyr Dudka, Chornomorska Bezpeka

Sentenced to 14 years for "Sabotage by an organised group” (Art. 281.2) and "Illegal storage of explosives by an organised group" (Art. 222.1)

Oleksiy Bessarabov, Chornomorska Bezpeka

Sentenced to 14 years for "Sabotage by an organised group” (Art. 281.2) and "Illegal storage of explosives by an organised group" (Art. 222.1)

Dmytro Shtyblykov, Chornomorska Bezpeka

Sentenced to 19 years and 5 months for "High treason" (Art. 275), "Sabotage by an organised group” (Art. 281.2) and "Illegal storage of explosives by an organised group" (Art. 222.1)

Ukrainian journalists, Kherson and Zaporizhia regions

Hennadiy Osmak, Novy Vizit (New Visit)

Sentenced to 3 years and 2 months for "Participating in an illegal armed group” (Art. 208)

Heorhiy Levchenko, RIA-Melitopol

Sentenced to 16 years for " High treason" (Art. 275) and " Propaganda of extremism" (Art. 280)

Anastasia Hlukhovska, RIA-Melitopol

Charges unknown

Iryna Levchenko, Citizen journalist

Charges unknown

Yana Suvorova, Melitopol tse Ukraina

Sentenced to 14 years for "Terrorist Act" (Art. 205), "Espionage" (Art. 267) and "Participation in a terrorist community" (Art. 205.4)

Yevhen Ilchenko, Mylyi Topol

Charges unknown

Vladyslav Hershon, Melitopol tse Ukraina

Sentenced to 15 years for "Terrorist Act" (Art. 205), "Espionage" (Art. 267) and "Participation in a terrorist community" (Art. 205.4)

Maksym Rupchev, Melitopol tse Ukraina

Charges unknown

Serhiy Tsyhipa, Nova Kakhovka

Sentenced to 13 years for "Espionage" (Art. 276)

Belarusian journalists

Andrei Famin, Viesniki

Sentenced to 7 years for "Encouraging actions aimed at harming national security" (Art. 361), "Inciting/causing public disorder" (Art. 342) and "Creation of/participation in an extremist entity" (Art. 361-1)

Andrzej Poczobut

Sentenced to 8 years for "Inciting national or religious hatred" (Art. 130) and " Encouraging actions aimed at harming national security" (Art. 361)

Katsiaryna Bakhvalava (Andreyeva), Belsat

Sentenced to 8 years and 3 months for “High treason” (Art. 356), “Organisation and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order” (Art. 342)

Andrei Aliaksandrau, BelaPAN

Sentenced to 14 years for “Inciting/causing public disorder” (Art. 342), “Tax evasion” (Art. 243), “High treason” (Art. 356) and the “Creation of/participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361)

Dzianis Ivashyn, Novy Chas, InfromNapalm

Sentenced for 13 years and 1 month for “High Treason” (Art. 356) and “Illegal actions with personal data” (Art. 179.)

Maryna Zolatava, TUT.BY

Sentenced for 12 years for “Inciting national or religious hatred” (Art. 130), “Calls to compromise national security” (Art. 361) and “Tax Evasion” (Art. 243)

Ludmila Chekina, TUT.BY

Sentenced for 12 years for “Tax evasion” (Art. 243), “Inciting national or religious hatred” (Art. 130) and “Calls to compromise national security” (Art. 361)

Valeryia Kastsiuhova, Belarusian Yearbook, Nashe Mnenie

Sentenced for 10 years for “Conspiring to seize power” (Art. 357), “Calls to compromise national security” (Art. 361) and “Inciting national or religious hatred” (Art. 130)

Dzmitry Navazhylau, BelaPAN

Sentenced for 6 years for “Creation of/participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361) and “Tax evasion” (Art. 243)

Siarhei Satsuk, Ezhednevnik

Sentenced for 8 years for “Bribery” (Art. 430), “Inciting national or religious hatred” (Art. 130) and “Abuse of power” (Art. 426)

Ales Sabaleuski

Sentenced for 4 years for the “Participation in an armed conflict abroad” (Art. 361-3), and the “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361-1)

Yauhen Hlushkou

Sentenced for 3 years for the “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361-1) and “Participation in an armed conflict abroad” (Art. 361-3)

Ales Marchanka, Belsat

Sentenced for 3 years for “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361-1).

Aliaksandr Ihnatsiuk, Pra Stolin

Sentenced for 6 years for “Extortion” (Art. 208), “Inciting/causing public disorder” (Art. 342) and “Defamation of the president” (Art. 367)

Volha Radzivonova

Sentenced for 4 years for “Insulting the president” (Art. 368), “Inciting national or religious hatred” (Art. 130), “Defamation of the President” (Art. 367) and “Discrediting Belarus” (Art. 369)

Anton Kazelski, ONT

Sentenced for 3 years for “Calls to compromise national security” (Art. 361) and “Inciting national or religious hatred (Art. 130)

Palina Pitkevich, Media project MediaIQ

Sentenced for 3 years for “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361-1)

Daniil Palianski

Sentenced for 10 years for “High treason” (Art. 356)

Ihar Ilyash

Sentenced for 4 years for “Discrediting Belarus” (Art. 369) and “Facilitating extremism” (Art. 361)

Siarhei Chabotska, s13.ru

Sentenced to 3 years and 6 months for “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361-1) and "Defamation of the President" (Art. 367)

Pavel Dabravolski

Has been held in pre-trial detention in Belarus since January 2025 for “High Treason” (Art. 356)

Aleh Supruniuk

Sentenced for 3 years for the “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361)

Aleh Khamenka

He was arrested for collaborating with independent Belarusian media outlets that are on the list of so-called "extremist organisations". Charges are yet to be known (likely under anti-extremist legislation).

Kiryl Pazniak, YouTube channel Platforma 375

Has been detained for the “Creation of/ participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 361-1)

Russian journalists

Abdulmumin Gadzhiev, Chernovik

Sentenced to 17 years for "Financing terrorism" (Art. 205.1), "Creation of an extremist entity" (Art. 282.2) and"Participation in a terrorist organisation" (Art. 205.5)

Antonina Favorskaya, SOTA Vision

Sentenced to 5 years and 5 months for "Participation in an extremist entity" (Art. 282.1)

Yan Katelevskiy , Rosdzerzhava

Sentenced to 9 years and 6 months for "Extortion" (Art. 163) and "Insulting a state official" (Art. 319)

Aleksandr Dorogov, Rosdzerzhava

Sentenced to 10 years and 5 months for "Extortion" (Art. 163) and "Insulting a state official" (Art. 319)

Aleksandr Strukov, YouTube blogger

Sentenced to 8 years for "Propaganda of terrorism" (Art. 205.2), "Incitement to hatred or enmity" (Art. 282) and "Insulting the feelings of believers" (Art. 148)

Aleksey Sidorov, YouTube blogger

Sentenced for 2 years and 5 months for “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205)

Alexander Nozdrinov, YouTube channel "Sanya Novokubansk"

Sentenced for 8 years and 6 months for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3)

Anna Bazhutova, Twitch Streamer

Sentenced for 5 years and 5 months for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207)

Artyom Kriger, SOTA Vision

Sentenced for 5 years and 5 months for “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 282.1)

Konstantin Gabov, DW

Sentenced for 5 years and 5 months for “Participation in an extremist entity“ (Art. 282.1)

Askhabali Alibekov, YouTube-channel "Dikiy desantnik"

Sentenced for 2 years and 4 months for “Violence against a state official” (Art. 318)

Bulat Shumekov, Blogger

Sentenced for 5 years and 5 months for “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 282.1)

Daniel Kholodny, YouTube channel "Navalny LIVE"

Sentenced for 8 years for “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 282.1) and “Financing extremist activity” (Art. 282.3)

Darya Poliudova, Blogger

Sentenced for 9 years for “Propaganda of extremism” (Art. 280), “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 282.1), “ Propaganda of terrorism” (Art 205.2).

Dmitry Chebanov, Telegram-channel "Chto Delat!"

Sentenced for 7 years and 5 months for “Incitement to hatred or enmity” (Art. 282) and “Involvement in organising mass riots accompanied by violence (Art. 212)

Dmitry Ivanov, Telegram-channel "Protest MSU"

Sentenced for 8 years and 5 months for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3)

Roman Ivanov, RusNews

Sentenced for 7 years for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3)

Nikolai Farafanov, Cynical Khomyak Telegram channel

Sentenced for 6 years “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2)

Sergei Kornilevsky, State Television and Radio Company Bira

Sentenced for 2 years and 6 months for “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2)

Sergey Mikhailov, Listok

Sentenced for 8 years for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3)

Nika Novak, Zab.ru

Sentenced for 4 years for the “Collaboration with a foreign organisation on a confidential basis” (Art. 275.1)

Eduard Shmonin, OTB Yugra

Sentenced for 8 years for “Extortion” (Art. 163) and “Distribution of pornography” (Art. 242)

Felix Eliseev, Telegram channel "Kolkhoz Madness"

Sentenced for 14 years for “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2) and “High treason” (Art. 275)

Ivan Safronov, Kommersant

Sentenced for 22 years for “High treason” (Art. 275)

Maria Ponomarenko, RusNews

Sentenced for 7 years and 10 months for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3) and “Causing non-health-threatening harm to a correctional officer” (Art. 321)

Ismail Isaev, Telegram-channel "Osal Nakh 95"

Sentenced for 6 years for “Aiding participation in an illegal armed formation” (Art. 208)

Salekh Magamadov, Telegram-channel "Osal Nakh 95"

Sentenced for 8 years for “Aiding participation in an illegal armed formation” (Art. 208)

Igor Kuznetsov, RusNews

Sentenced for 6 years for “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 282.1), “Involvement in organising mass riots accompanied by violence” (Art. 212) and "Incitement to hatred or enmity" (Art. 282)

Konstantin Smirnov, Vid Sboku

Sentence length unknown but imprisoned for “Extortion” (Art. 163)

Parvinakhan Abuzarova, Blogger

Sentenced for 3 years for “Public calls for activities directed against the security of the Russian Federation” (Art. 280)

Mikhail Afanasyev, Novy Fokus

Sentenced for 5 years and 5 months for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3)

Olga Komleva, RusNews

Sentenced for 12 years for “ Participation in an extremist entity (Art. 282.1) and “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art 207.3)

Ramilya Saitova, Blogger

Sentenced for 5 years for “Public calls for activity directed against state security, committed using the Internet” (Art. 280.4), “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2), “Rehabilitation of Nazism” (Art. 354.1), “Incitement to hatred or enmity” (Art. 282)

Ruslan Ushakov, Telegram-channel "Real Crime"

Sentenced for 8 years for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3)

Sergey Komandirov, Telegram-channel "Trebuyem otvetov. Rossiya"

Sentenced for 6,6 years for “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2), “Incitement to hatred or enmity” (Art. 282), “Insulting a state official” (Art. 319), “Rehabilitation of Nazism” (Art. 354.1)

Sergey Veselov, Blogger

Sentenced for 8 years for “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2), “Defaming the Russian army” (Art. 280.3), “Confidential cooperation with a representative of a foreign state" (Art. 275.1) and “Insulting the public official (Art. 297)

Altan Ochirov, Telegram channel "Volny Us"

Sentenced for 5 years for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art. 207.3).

Vladislav Malushenko, Telegram channel "Scanner"

Sentenced for 8 years for “Extortion" (Art. 163)

Vladislav Sinitsa, Blogger

Sentenced for 7 years and 6 months “Propaganda of extremism” (Art. 280) and “Incitement to hatred or enmity” (Art. 282)

Vsevolod Korolev, Documentary filmmaker

Sentenced for 7 years for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army“ (Art. 207.3)

Yevgeny Moskvin, Telegram channel "Scanner"

Sentenced for 8 years for “Extortion" (Art. 163)

Svetlana Khustik, Citizen journalist

Sentence length unknown but imprisoned for “Dissemination of fakes about the Russian Army” (Art.207.3)

Natalya Lazaricheva, Citizen journalist

Sentence length unknown but imprisoned for "Rehabilitation of Nazism" (Art. 354.1)

Anton Nesgovorov, YouTube channel "Tyumerika"

Sentence length unknown but imprisoned for “Propaganda of terrorism“ (Art. 205.2)

Sergey Karelin, Associated Press, Deutsche Welle

Sentenced for 5 years and 5 months for “Participation in an extremist entity” (Art. 282.1)

Alla (Aletfina) Dongur-ool, Citizen Journalist

Sentenced to 3 years for "Extortion" (Art. 163)

Sasha (Alexandra) Alexandrova, ZIMA

Sentence length unknown but imprisoned for “Propaganda of terrorism” (Art. 205.2)

Vadim Kharchenko, YouTube channel "Lichnoe Mnenie"

Sentenced for 7 years for “ Defaming the Russian army” (Art. 280.3), "Insulting the feelings of believers" (Art. 148), “Propaganda of extremism” (Art. 280) and “Defamation” (Art. 128.1)

Georgia

Mzia Amaglobeli, Batumelebi and Netgazeti

Sentenced to 2 years for "resistance, threats, or violence against a protector of public order"(Art. 353)

Azerbaijan

Ahmad Mammadli, Yoldash Media

Charged with "Deliberately inflicting serious harm to health" (Art. 126.2.4) and "Hooliganism" (Art. 221.3)

Ahmad Mukhtar, Photojournalist

Charged with “Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Arshad Ibrahimov, dunyaninsesi.az

Sentenced to 8 years for "Extortion by threats" (Art. 182.2.4)

Alasgar Mammadli, Toplum TV

Charged with “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1 and 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1), “Arranging employment without labour contracts” (Art. 162-1)

Arzu Sayadoghlu, blogger

Sentenced to 7 years for "Extortion by threats" (Art. 182.2.4)

Ali Zeynalov, Toplum TV

Charged with “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1), “Arranging employment without labour contracts” (Art. 162-1)

Aynur Ganbarova (Elgunesh), Meydan TV

Charged with “Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2), “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1), "Document forgery" (Art. 320.1; 320.2)

Aziz Orujov, Kanal 13

Sentenced to 2 years for "Unauthorised construction on land without ownership" (Art. 188.2)

Bahruz Samadov, Freelance journalist, OC Media, Eurasianet

Sentenced to 15 years for "High Treason" (Art. 274)

Sevinj Vagifgizi, Abzas Media

Sentenced to 9 years for “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1) and “Document forgery” (Art. 320.1; 320.2)

Elnara Gasimova, Abzas Media

Sentenced to 8 years for “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1) and “Document forgery” (Art. 320.1; 320.2)

Elnur Shukurov, SADA TV YouTube channel

Sentenced to 4 years for "Bribery (Article 312.1) and "llegal influence on the decision of an official" (Art. 312-1.1)

Farid Ismayilov, Toplum TV

Charged with “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1), "Arranging employment without labour contracts" (Art. 162-1)

Farid Mekhralizade, Radio Azadliq

Imran Aliyev, Meclis.info

Charged with “Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Jamil Mammadli, journalist

Sentenced to 6,2 years for "Fraud" (Art. 178.2.4), "Extortion committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy" (Art. 182.2.1), "Extortion committed repeatedly" (Art. 182.2.2), "Hooliganism" (Art. 221.2.2)

Mahammad Kekalov, Abzas Media

Sentenced to 7,6 years for “Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1), “Document forgery” (Art. 320.1; 320.2)

Matlab Bagirov, SalamNews, İnterAz

Sentenced to 12 years for "Involving a significant number of workers to perform work without the employment agreement" (Art. 162-1.1), "Distribution of religious extremist materials" (Art. 167-3.1), "False entrepreneurship" (Art. 193.2.2), "Legalisation of property acquired by criminal means" (Art. 193-1.3.2)

Nargiz Absalamova, Abzas Media

Natig Javadli, Meydan TV

Charged with "Illegal entrepreneurship” (Art. 192.3.2), “Money laundering” (Art. 193-1.3.1; 193-1.3.2), “Smuggling” (Art. 206.4), “Tax evasion” (Art. 213.2.1), “Document forgery” (Art. 320.1; 320.2)

Hafiz Babali, Turan News Agency, Abzas Media

Ulvi Hasanli, Abzas Media

Ulviyya Ali, Freelance journalist

Charged with “Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Shamshad Agha, Argument.az

Charged with “Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Teymur Karimov, YouTube channel Kanal 11

Sentenced to 7 years for "Extortion committed by a group with prior collusion" (Art. 182.2.1)

Nurlan Gahramanli (Libre), Portağal Media

Charged with "Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Khayala Aghayeva, Meydan TV

Charged with “Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Aytaj Tapdig, Meydan TV

Mushfig Jabbar, Toplum TV

Vugar Mammadov, Hürriyet Media

Charged with "Extortion by threat" (Art. 182)

Fatima Movlamli, Meydan TV

Charged with "Smuggling committed by a group of people by prior conspiracy” (Art. 206.3.2)

Aslan Gurbanov, blogger

Sentenced to 7 years for "Public incitement against the state" (Art. 281) and "Incitement to national, racial, social, religious hatred and hostility through the media" (Art. 283.1)