Persecution of Journalists in Russia Continues After Verdict

• Olga Komleva has been sentenced to 12 years for her connection with Navalny.
• The Russian authorities have intensified the persecution of independent media.
• Since the start of the war in Ukraine, there has been a noted increase in the persecution of human rights defenders and independent media.

In Moscow on July 29, 2025, Russian journalist Olga Komleva was sentenced to 12 years in prison for her connection with the opposition group. The court in the city of Ufa, located in Bashkortostan, found her guilty of "extremism" due to her involvement in the organization, which was led by the well-known opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Komleva also received a charge of "disseminating false information" about the Russian army. She denied all charges.

Olga Komleva has been under house arrest since February 2024. Previously, she worked as a volunteer in the regional office of the Anti-Corruption Foundation of Navalny, which was banned in 2021. She also collaborated with independent media and highlighted protests in the region.

Alexei Navalny, who was one of the most prominent opponents of President Vladimir Putin, was sentenced in July 2024 to a colonial regime prison, serving a 19-year term on charges he considered politically motivated.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine in the summer of 2022, the Russian authorities have intensified the persecution of independent media, human rights defenders, and representatives of civil society. Many of them have been imprisoned, while thousands have fled the country.

In January 2025, three lawyers who previously represented Navalny received sentences ranging from 3.5 to 5 years for their involvement in "extremist" activities. Four journalists who worked for Navalny also received 5.5 years in prison for similar charges.

Tags: Russia/Politics