Russian journalists in the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk have started airing “silent broadcasts” as a way to avoid prosecution, the U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty news outlet reported Monday.
The live-streams of protests without commentary follow the detentions of several journalists in recent months for “participation in unsanctioned rallies,” RFE/RL’s Siberian affiliate Sibir.Realii reported.
“Such coverage is our symbolic answer to the repressive environment faced by journalists," Tatyana Khlestunova, a reporter from the Prosto Gazeta (Just A Newspaper) outlet who was jailed for several days for her coverage, told Sibir.Realii.
Protesters in Khabarovsk have been taking to the streets in support of jailed ex-governor Sergei Furgal since last July, when he was arrested on charges of murder that allegedly took place over a decade ago.
Khlestunova added that the March 10 sentencing of a local Orthodox archpriest to 20 days in jail for publicly supporting the protesters was the last straw that prompted the journalists’ “silent broadcasts.”
Russia has labeled RFE/RL and its affiliates as “foreign agents.”
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
