Undercover Transfer: Controversial Russian Journalist Opposed to Ukrainian Conflict Secretly Transferred to France via Reporters Without Borders
Fleeing Censorship: A Russian Journalist's Perilous Escape
A vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian-born journalist Ekaterina Barabash, has sought refuge in France, thanks to the aid of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
"I owe you a big one," Barabash expressed gratitude at a press conference at RSF headquarters in Paris. Her dangerous journey, lasting approximately two and a half weeks, was challenging, she added, yet unwilling to share every detail.
Barabash, 64, found herself in the crosshairs of Russian authorities in February, following accusations of disseminating "false information" about the Russian military through social media posts. Her abrupt disappearance in April raised alarm bells.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, authorities have been relentless in their pursuit of anyone deemed to be "discrediting" the armed forces, a move now deemed unlawful.
Barabash's criticism of Moscow's military campaign extended to various media outlets, including the Russian service of FRANCE 24's sister station, Radio France Internationale.
Having been born in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv when it was still part of the Soviet Union, Barabash has been a constant critic of Moscow's military offensive on Ukraine.
In March 2022, she penned a Facebook post accusing Russia of "bombing the country" and "reducing entire cities to ruins," and just days before her arrest, she wrote of the "hatred, hatred, hatred for those who ignited this conflict."
Russia enacted a law against criticism of the army and its military operations in Ukraine near the war's outset. Human rights groups argue that this law has been instrumental in launching an unprecedented clampdown on dissent.
Another prominent figure who faced the wrath of the Russian government was former state television journalist Marina Ovsyannikova. She protested against the Ukraine conflict during a live television broadcast and managed to flee Russia in 2022, with RSF's assistance.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
In the background:Amid Russia's war in Ukraine, authorities have taken several measures to silence critical voices, particularly journalists:
- Media Suppression: Most independent media in Russia have been banned, blocked, or labeled "foreign agents," severely constraining their operational freedom[1].
- Arrests and Detentions: Critical journalists, like Ekaterina Barabash, have faced arrest and detention for expressing anti-war sentiments[3].
- Reporting Restrictions: Russian media operating within Russia face stringent controls, while those reporting in Ukraine face restrictions, such as not filming military equipment or frontline positions to prevent aiding Russian forces[5].
- Legal Threats and Harassment: Journalists have been subjected to criminal charges and online harassment for reporting from sensitive areas or crossing borders during military operations[5].
- Journalist Persecution in Ukraine: Russian forces have committed numerous crimes against journalists in Ukraine, resulting in killings, kidnappings, and intimidation[2].
- Ekaterina Barabash, a vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was forced to flee Russia after being accused of disseminating false information about the military.
- In a press conference at Reporters Without Borders (RSF) headquarters in Paris, Barabash expressed gratitude for the organization's aid in her perilous escape.
- Amid Russia's war in Ukraine, regulatory actions such as media suppression, arrests and detentions, and reporting restrictions have been employed to silence critical voices, particularly journalists.
- Another journalist, Marina Ovsyannikova, faced the wrath of the Russian government for protesting against the Ukraine conflict during a live television broadcast and managed to flee Russia in 2022, also with the assistance of Reporters Without Borders.
