Journalist Ksenia Klochkova, who works for a leading St. Petersburg news website, had her home searched by police in connection with a criminal probe against exiled investigative journalist Andrei Zakharov. Klochkova was named a witness in the case against Zakharov, who left Russia in December 2021 citing unprecedented surveillance after being designated a “foreign agent.” Zakharov had worked for various media outlets before leaving the country.
Zakharov’s case was launched after he allegedly violated the terms of his “foreign agent” status. The authorities seized Klochkova’s electronic devices during the four-hour search and plan to interrogate her. “Foreign agents” in Russia face criminal charges for failing to comply with labeling rules, which include submitting financial reports, detailing income and spending, and prominently displaying a disclaimer on all publications. The label carries a negative Soviet-era stigma.
Fontanka.ru’s editor-in-chief, Alexander Gorshkov, stated that the searches at Klochkova’s home were allegedly part of the case against Zakharov because she is an acquaintance of his. However, Gorshkov noted that many journalists and others in St. Petersburg are friends and acquaintances of Zakharov. Authorities have not specified the charges filed against Zakharov, causing concern for both him and Klochkova. Zakharov expressed on Telegram that the searches and interrogations were a consequence of his work.
Zakharov began his journalism career at Fontanka and worked for several other media outlets before leaving Russia. The criminal case against him was reportedly launched for failing to comply with the “foreign agent” labeling rules. These rules are strict and require labeled individuals to submit financial reports, list income and spending, and include disclaimers on all publications. The case against Zakharov raises concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Russia.
The Moskovsky Komsomolets tabloid reported that investigators launched a criminal case against Zakharov for violating the terms of his “foreign agent” status. Klochkova’s home was searched, and her electronic devices were seized as part of the investigation. It is unclear what specific charges Zakharov faces, but the case highlights the challenges faced by journalists who are targeted by the Russian government for their reporting. The situation also underscores the risks associated with being labeled a “foreign agent” in Russia.
The case against Zakharov and the search of Klochkova’s home have raised concerns about the state of press freedom in Russia. The use of “foreign agent” labeling to target journalists and media outlets has been criticized by human rights organizations as a way to suppress independent reporting. The seizure of electronic devices and planned interrogation of Klochkova indicate a broader crackdown on journalists and individuals who are perceived as critical of the Russian government. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists working in a restrictive media environment.
