A Moscow court has sentenced an exiled Russian journalist to eight and a half years in prison in absentia for disseminating 'fake news' about the Russian army. The journalist was found guilty of spreading false information about the use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
This latest conviction is part of Russia's ongoing legal crackdown on independent and opposition media. Draconian media laws enacted after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 make it a punishable offense to discredit the Russian military or spread misinformation about military operations.
The journalist, who is currently living in New York, is a founding editor-in-chief of the exiled channel Dozhd (TV Rain) and a columnist for a German news organization. He has authored several well-known books that delve into the inner workings of Russian politics and the historical context of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Designated as a 'foreign agent' by Russia's Ministry of Justice, the journalist was placed on an international wanted list in April 2024. The court stated that his sentence will take effect upon his extradition or detention in Russia, though the government has not successfully extradited any prominent dissidents since the Ukraine invasion.
This sentencing comes on the heels of another conviction in absentia of a Russian-American journalist living in the United States. The journalist was sentenced to eight years in prison for criticizing the Russian military. Additionally, another Russian journalist and blogger based in the United Kingdom was recently placed on a wanted list, with the specific charges against him remaining undisclosed.
