Russian journalists imprisoned for suspected involvement with Alexei Navalny organization | Global News

Two Russian journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin, have been arrested on “extremism” charges for their alleged involvement with a YouTube channel run by Navalny’s Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which has been banned in Russia. The journalists face a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of six years if found guilty of participating in an extremist organization.

Gabov, a freelance producer who has worked for outlets like Reuters, was detained in Moscow, while Karelin, who holds dual citizenship with Israel and has previously worked for The Associated Press, was arrested in Russia’s Murmansk region. Both journalists deny the charges brought against them.

Their arrests are part of a broader crackdown on dissent and independent media in Russia, which has intensified following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government has passed laws criminalizing false information or discreditory statements about the military, effectively silencing any criticism of the war in Ukraine.

The journalists’ detention comes after Forbes journalist Sergei Mingazov was also arrested for spreading false information about the Russian military. Several journalists have been imprisoned for their coverage of Navalny, the late opposition politician who died in a penal colony earlier this year.

The arrests of Gabov and Karelin highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Russia who seek to report independently and hold those in power accountable. The international community has expressed concern over the crackdown on press freedom in the country.