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April 21, 2025 – Russia –
Ekaterina Barabash, a Russian journalist who had been under house arrest for her anti-war reporting, has successfully escaped to France, where she is now seeking asylum. Barabash, who faced up to 10 years in prison for spreading “false information” about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fled Moscow in a daring escape orchestrated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). She removed her electronic monitoring tag and covertly traveled over 2,800 kilometers, reaching Paris on April 26, 2025. In France, Barabash intends to apply for asylum and continue her journalistic work with exiled Russian-language media.
Barabash’s escape is a significant event amid Russia’s ongoing crackdown on dissent. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities have aggressively targeted journalists, activists, and anyone who publicly opposes the war. Over 1,200 individuals have faced legal action, and at least 38 journalists remain imprisoned. Russia is ranked 171st out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, a sharp decline as the government tightens its grip on the media landscape.
During her escape, Barabash described Russian prisons as “worse than death” and highlighted the oppressive environment faced by independent journalists in the country. She criticized the lack of freedom and the dominance of state-controlled war narratives that stifle any dissent. Barabash’s case reflects the broader pattern of increasing repression faced by journalists in Russia, where speaking out against the government can result in severe consequences.
Her escape underscores the high stakes for independent journalists in authoritarian regimes like Russia. It also highlights the international community’s role in protecting journalists facing persecution for their work. Barabash’s determination to continue reporting, even from exile, demonstrates the resilience of those committed to truth and free expression, despite the immense personal risks involved.
Reference –
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/ekaterina-barabash-escape-1.7531459
