Strengthening Journalist Welfare in Pakistan: The Role of Legislation and Press Clubs
April 28, 2025
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi Reinstates Subpoenas for Journalists in Leak Investigations
April 28, 2025
April 28, 2025 – Russia –
Russian journalist Yulia Taratuta, known for her association with the independent broadcaster TV Rain (Dozhd), is now officially wanted by Russian authorities. An arrest warrant was issued in late April 2025, citing her failure to comply with the country’s stringent “foreign agent” law. Taratuta had been labeled a “foreign agent” in December 2022 by the Justice Ministry—an increasingly common move by the Russian government to stifle dissent and independent reporting.
The criminal proceedings against Taratuta stem from her alleged violation of Article 330.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which punishes evasion of obligations placed on foreign agents. Specifically, she is accused of not labeling her content properly and failing to submit mandatory financial disclosures. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of two years.
Before the criminal case, Taratuta had already faced administrative penalties. She was fined in two separate instances in 2024 for not adhering to the law’s requirements. According to Russian media reports, the Investigative Committee opened the criminal case in March 2025, and she has since been added to the federal wanted list.
Taratuta fled Russia with her family in March 2022, shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and relocated to Amsterdam. There, she resumed her journalism career in exile, continuing her work with TV Rain—an outlet also forced to shut down in Russia due to its independent stance. The network has reestablished its operations in Europe, broadcasting content critical of the Russian government.
The targeting of Taratuta is part of a broader crackdown on journalists, activists, and organizations deemed disloyal by the Kremlin. Critics argue that the “foreign agent” law is being weaponized to criminalize independent voices and instill fear among reporters. Human rights groups and press freedom advocates have condemned the move, calling it a deliberate attempt to silence dissent and dismantle journalistic integrity in the country.
This case underscores the worsening climate for press freedom in Russia, where journalists are not only censored at home but now face criminal repercussions even after going into exile.
Reference –
