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March 13, 2025 – Russia –
Russian journalist Nadezhda Kevorkova was released from detention after being convicted of “justifying terrorism” over social media posts dating back to 2018 and 2020. The military court in Moscow fined her 600,000 rubles, a reduction from the original 700,000 rubles due to her time already spent in custody since May 2024. The conviction stemmed from a 2020 post referencing the Taliban and a 2018 repost of an article about a 2005 Islamist raid in Nalchik.
Kevorkova, aged 66, is known for her extensive reporting and commentary on Middle Eastern affairs. She has contributed to both independent Russian outlets such as Novaya Gazeta and state-affiliated media including RT. Following her arrest, her Telegram channel—which she used to provide analysis on Middle East topics—was deleted. This case attracted attention amid shifting Russian government policies regarding the Taliban. In late 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed legislation that paved the way for removing the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organization, although that official removal had not yet taken place by the time of her trial.
While the court’s decision to impose a fine and release Kevorkova immediately was seen as comparatively lenient, the conviction underscores ongoing pressures on journalists within Russia. Legal actions like these are viewed by press freedom advocates as part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and limiting independent journalism. The government’s use of anti-terrorism laws to target journalists and critics has raised international concern about freedom of expression in Russia.
Kevorkova’s case highlights the precarious environment for journalists who report on sensitive topics, particularly related to foreign policy and security issues. Despite her release, the charges and conviction send a chilling message to the media community in Russia. This reflects the continuing risks faced by journalists operating in a climate where legal and political pressures can be used to silence critical voices and curb press freedom.
The outcome of this case will likely have broader implications for journalists covering contentious subjects in Russia as the government tightens controls over public discourse.
Reference –
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1291336-russia-frees-journalist-convicted-of-justifying-terrorism
