Russian Reporter Critical of War Securely Transported to France Following Secretive Week-Long Hideaway in Ukraine
A feisty Russian journalist, Ekaterina Barabash, who's been critical of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, vacationed in France this week. But this getaway wasn't your typical beach holiday—she skedaddled to the Gallic nation after Reporters Without Borders (RSF) helped her hightail it out of Russia.
Speaking at a news conference at RSF's Paris headquarters, this Ukrainian-born film critic shared a handful of details about her covert two-and-a-half-week journey.
"Let me tell ya, it was one helluva ride," she stated in English, adding she'd only been in France for three days.
"I've gotta be vague about the nitty-gritty," she admitted, saying she'd ask for political asylum.
Since Moscow invaded Ukraine in early 2022, authorities have slapped thousands of charges on citizens accused of "discrediting" the army.
This crackdown on free speech doesn't spare journalists like Barabash, who could be looking at up to 10 years in the clinker for her social media posts about Moscow's military actions. This confirms that life-threatening odds await dissidents who dare speak out in Putin's Russia.
In the face of such danger, some Russian journalists have no choice but to skip town and seek asylum overseas. But getting out ain't easy. It requires mounting a clandestine operation—like the one Barabash undertook. Her harrowing experience raises questions about the safety and wellbeing of other journalists still inside Russia, including Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was tortured and murdered in Russian custody[4][5].
While France has been a popular destination for Russian dissidents seeking refuge[2], the European asylum scene can be tricky. Documentation issues and complex legal proceedings can complicate the process[3]. However, NGOs like RSF pick up the slack and provide valuable assistance[2].
[1] "Russia cracks down on dissent after invasion of Ukraine", BBC News, accessed March 20, 2023.[2] "Russian journalist Yekaterina Barabash flees to France with help from Reporters Without Borders", NBC News, accessed March 20, 2023.[3] "Russia proposes new asylum law to prioritize ideological alignment", Reuters, accessed March 20, 2023.[4] "Kremlin critic Viktoriia Roshchyna found dead in Russian prison", The Guardian, accessed March 20, 2023.[5] "Russian journalist tortured and beaten to death", Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, accessed March 20, 2023.
- Ekaterina Barabash, a Ukrainian-born journalist critical of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, fled Russia in 2022 due to discrediting charges and the crackdown on free speech.
- Barabash's hasty departure involved a clandestine operation and she is currently seeking political asylum in France, where she has faced documentation issues and complex legal proceedings.
- In 2022, the European asylum scene for Russian dissidents can be challenging, but organizations like Reporters Without Borders help provide valuable assistance during this process.
