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February 24, 2025 – Russia –
Russian prosecutors have requested a new, longer prison sentence for Maria Ponomarenko, a journalist and former columnist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), highlighting ongoing repression of independent media in Russia. Ponomarenko was originally sentenced in 2024 to several years in prison on charges widely condemned by international organizations as politically motivated and lacking credible evidence.
The new criminal case against Ponomarenko, announced in early 2025, escalates the pressure on her by accusing her of “spreading false information” related to Russia’s military actions and other sensitive topics. The prosecution is seeking to extend her sentence significantly beyond the initial term. Ponomarenko remains imprisoned in harsh conditions, with reports of limited access to legal representation and family visits.
This move forms part of a broader crackdown on journalists and independent voices in Russia, especially those critical of the government or reporting on the war in Ukraine. Alongside Ponomarenko, other journalists such as Iskander Yasaveyev, a detained RFE/RL columnist, face similar prosecutions, reflecting the intensifying efforts by Russian authorities to silence dissent and control information.
International press freedom watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI), have strongly condemned the charges and the attempt to impose a harsher sentence. They argue that these actions violate fundamental rights to free expression and fair trial and call for Ponomarenko’s immediate release.
These developments underscore the increasingly hostile environment for independent journalism inside Russia, where laws against so-called “fake news” and “extremism” are weaponized to imprison reporters and curtail media freedom. The international community continues to demand accountability for the suppression of journalists and urges Russia to respect its obligations under international human rights law.
Reference –
Maria Ponomarenko handed additional sentence of 1 year and 10 months
