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February 27, 2025 – Russia –
Russian journalist and film critic Ekaterina Barabash was placed under house arrest by authorities in Moscow, accused of spreading so-called “fake news” about the war in Ukraine. The charges stemmed from social media posts she made condemning Russia’s invasion and criticizing its conduct during the conflict. Barabash, who is 64 and known for her cultural and political commentary, had posted statements on Facebook describing the war as a humanitarian disaster and calling out the Russian government’s actions.
Russian investigators invoked Article 207.3 of the criminal code, a law introduced after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, which criminalizes the dissemination of “false information” about the military. The law has frequently been used against journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens to stifle criticism of the war.
Barabash’s arrest came shortly after she returned from the Berlin Film Festival. Authorities detained her upon arrival in Moscow, where she was interrogated and later confined to house arrest. Although state officials claimed she had admitted guilt during questioning, her son disputed this, saying she was likely targeted due to her high profile and history of criticism toward the Kremlin.
Under the terms of her house arrest, Barabash was prohibited from using the internet, communicating with others, or leaving her apartment. An electronic ankle monitor was installed to ensure compliance. Her confinement reflected a broader pattern of repression in Russia, where anti-war voices have been aggressively silenced since 2022.
The decision to place her under house arrest was widely condemned by press freedom organizations, who warned that it was part of a campaign to intimidate independent journalists and suppress dissenting views. Despite her decades-long career in cultural journalism, Barabash’s political statements were enough to provoke legal retaliation, demonstrating how far Russian authorities are willing to go to control the narrative about the war in Ukraine.
Reference –
https://www.dw.com/en/russian-reporter-facing-jail-says-rsf-smuggled-her-to-france/a-72440433
Russia puts journalist under house arrest for ‘fake’ news about Ukraine war
