UN rights chief voices concern over intensification of crackdown on journalists in Russia

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Tuesday expressed concern over the intensification of the crackdown on journalists in Russia, saying the press should be able to work without fear of reprisals.

"The continuous attacks on free speech and the criminalization of independent journalism in Russia are very troubling," OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told a UN briefing in Geneva, citing Turk's statement.

"The intensification of the crackdown on journalists’ independent work must immediately cease and the right to inform – a key component of the right to freedom of expression – needs to be upheld," Turk noted, according to the statement.

He stressed that the number of imprisoned journalists in Russia has reached an "all-time high" since Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia's war on Ukraine began.

According to the human rights office, at least 30 journalists are currently detained in Russia under a variety of criminal charges, including terrorism, extremism, disseminating knowingly false information about the armed forces, spying, treason, extortion, infringing upon people’s rights, violating the provisions of the law on foreign agents, inciting mass disturbances, illegal possession of explosives, and illegal possession of drugs.

Meanwhile, 12 of them are serving prison sentences ranging from five-and-a-half to 22 years in prison.

"Journalists should be able to work in a safe environment without fear of reprisals – in line with Russia’s international human rights obligations. I call on the authorities to immediately drop charges against journalists detained solely for doing their jobs, and to release them," Turk said.