A former editor at the independent youth news outlet DOXA, Maria Menshikova, has been sentenced to seven years in prison in absentia by a military court for “justifying terrorism on the internet”. The sentencing was based on two posts she made on the Russian social network VKontakte in the summer of 2022, where she allegedly encouraged writing letters to individuals convicted of setting fires to military offices in Russia and a railway relay cabinet in Belarus. Menshikova currently resides outside of Russia, where DOXA has been designated as an “undesirable” organization by the authorities.
The sentencing of critics of the Russian government and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine in absentia has been increasing in Russian courts. In addition to Maria Menshikova, other individuals such as exiled journalist Mikhail Zygar and opposition figure Dmitry Gudkov have also received prison sentences in absentia. Zygar was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in July, and Gudkov was sentenced to eight years in August. These cases demonstrate the crackdown on dissenting voices and the targeting of those who are critical of the Russian leadership, either living in Russia or outside the country.
The digital rights organization Network Freedoms reported on Maria Menshikova’s case, highlighting the charges of “justifying terrorism on the internet” that led to her seven-year prison sentence. This underscores the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and the persecution of individuals who express dissenting viewpoints online, particularly in relation to sensitive political and security issues. The crackdown on independent journalism and activism has intensified under the current political climate in Russia.
The targeting of independent media outlets like DOXA and the sentencing of their journalists such as Maria Menshikova in absentia reflect the broader efforts by the Russian authorities to suppress critical voices and stifle dissent. With the labeling of The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization and a “foreign agent”, independent journalism faces growing threats and risks in Russia. Despite these challenges, journalists at The Moscow Times continue to strive for accurate and unbiased reporting, calling for support from readers to defend open journalism in the face of repression.
The call for support from The Moscow Times emphasizes the critical role of independent journalism in providing accurate and unbiased information amid mounting challenges and threats to press freedom in Russia. By standing with independent media outlets and journalists facing persecution, individuals can help uphold the principles of open journalism and support the work of those striving to report on important issues despite government crackdowns and censorship. The reminder to support The Moscow Times monthly from just $2 highlights the ongoing need for solidarity in defending independent journalism in the context of increasing repression.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Maria Menshikova and other critics of the Russian government in absentia for expressing dissenting views underscores the broader crackdown on freedom of expression and independent journalism in Russia. The persecution of individuals for their online posts and the designation of media outlets as “undesirable” reflect the growing threats to press freedom and the challenges faced by journalists who continue to report on sensitive issues. By supporting independent media outlets like The Moscow Times, individuals can help defend open journalism and uphold the values of freedom of speech and independent media in the face of repression.
