Siberian journalist and activist Maria Ponomarenko, imprisoned under Russia’s wartime censorship laws, threatened to cut her wrists in protest against the abuse she says she has endured while incarcerated.
Ponomarenko was sentenced to six years in prison in February 2023 for spreading “fake news” about Russia’s 2022 bombing of a theater in Mariupol, Ukraine — an attack for which Moscow denies responsibility. She is currently serving her sentence at a penal colony in Russia’s Altai region.
Last fall, Ponomarenko faced new charges for allegedly assaulting prison guards, accusations which she denies. During hearings this summer, the journalist accused prison staff of suffocating her and abusing other inmates.
At a court hearing on Tuesday, Ponomarenko claimed that regional prison authorities were ignoring her complaints and warned she would cut her wrists once she was transferred back to the penal colony, her employer, the RusNews outlet, reported.
In an audio recording shared by RusNews, Ponomarenko was heard breaking down in tears as she described her treatment. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
Ponomarenko, who was diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder, previously self-harmed in September 2022 while in pre-trial detention, citing abusive conditions.
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.
