Reports indicate that Russia has detained two additional journalists

Russia has reportedly arrested two journalists who have been working with international news outlets. Sergei Karelin, a Russian and Israeli citizen, was detained on Friday, as reported by the Associated Press. He has previously worked with the news agency and is now accused of “extremism” in connection with alleged work for the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s foundation – charges he denies.

In a similar incident, Konstantin Gabov was also detained on charges of “extremism.” Mr. Gabov has worked with outlets including Reuters. Both men face a minimum of two years in prison if convicted of alleged “participation in an extremist organization.” They are the latest journalists to face charges amid heightened repression in Russia, where freedom of the press has been severely limited.

“The Associated Press is very concerned by the detention of Russian video journalist Sergey Karelin,” the US press agency said in a statement. “We are seeking additional information.”

Mr. Karelin and Mr. Gabov are accused of helping prepare videos for the YouTube channel of Mr. Navalny, who was a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin. Mr. Navalny died in February in an Arctic penal colony where he had been imprisoned. Organizations linked to Mr. Navalny were banned as “extremist” in 2021, putting supporters at risk of prison.

In a separate incident, journalist Sergei Mingazov was arrested for criticizing the Russian army. The crackdown on journalists in Russia has intensified, with laws imposing harsh penalties for spreading “fake” news about the military. The arrests of these journalists highlight the challenges faced by media professionals in Russia.