Their only "crime" was truthfully and honestly reporting—like real journalists—on the activities of Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, as well as events related to Navalny himself. The journalists were charged under Part 2 of Article 282.1 of the Russian Criminal Code—participation in an extremist organization. The accusation is based on their alleged involvement in producing content for the YouTube channel "Navalny LIVE," which Russian authorities have officially labeled as "extremist." Lawyers emphasized that the journalists were simply carrying out their professional duties and were not participating in the activities of any banned organizations. International human rights and press freedom organizations have condemned these charges as a violation of freedom of speech and of the press.
All four journalists were detained in 2024: Karelin and Gabov in April, Kriger in June, and Favorskaya in March. Since their arrests, they have been held in pre-trial detention.
From left to right: Konstantin Gabov, Sergei Karelin, Antonina Favorskaya, Artem Kriger
The trial was held behind closed doors. However, today, for the announcement of the verdict, relatives, representatives of diplomatic missions, and journalists were allowed in. Ordinary citizens were not permitted into the courtroom for the verdict announcement—court bailiffs offered no apology, simply saying, "the courtroom isn’t made of rubber."
Each person's hands were cuffed, despite being in an isolated "aquarium." Despite their imprisonment, all four journalist political prisoners remained defiant and unbowed.
The journalists were allowed in only for photos and video recording, and only for a few minutes. Despite obstacles from the court bailiffs, who separated the political prisoners from the press and forbade communication, they still managed to shout a few remarks.
Artem Kriger, showing he remained unbroken in spirit, raised his cuffed hands and quickly said: "You really shouldn’t despair, in fact, I feel much freer in prison right now than I do outside. I wouldn’t advise anyone to end up in prison because it’s a terrifying experience. It’s better to spend your time in freedom, but having found myself in handcuffs, I am not afraid to speak."
Sergei Karelin managed to say:"I believe, I hope, my daughter will be proud of me."
Antonina Favorskaya managed to shout: "Putin is a killer and a war criminal."
Konstantin Gabov was not allowed to say anything, it was not heard.
+Artem Kriger, when all the journalists were practically being escorted out of the room, managed to shout goodbye, waving his cuffed hands: "Guys, everything is fine, we’re not despairing."
Russia will be free!