I deplore the conviction of Telegram-channel author Dmitry Ivanov to 8.5 yrs. prison & journalist Andrey Novashov to 8 months correction. Two more examples of the ongoing cruel practice in #Russia of stifling free voices for spreading so-called ‘false information about the army’.

The arrest of @WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage allegations by #Russia is deeply worrying & starkly undermines #mediafreedom. Journalists should not be detained for doing their work, as has been clearly spelled out in many #OSCE commitments in this regard.

I am deeply saddened & shocked by yesterday's killing of @AFP video co-ordinator Arman Soldin. His murder is a significant loss for the media community & highlights the devastating impact of #Russia’s ongoing attack on #Ukraine. My heartfelt condolences go out to Arman’s family.

The authorities in #Russia's outlawing of Novaja Gazeta Europe is a clear violation of international principles & #OSCE #mediafreedom commitments. The decision is unacceptable, as it further isolates Russian citizens from independent information. @novayagazeta_en @novayagazeta_en

I am dismayed by 11 years of prison sentence handed down to journalists @RuslanLeviev and @michaelnacke in absentia in relation to their work. This represents yet another step towards complete repression of independent media and critical journalism in #Russia.

Appalled by recent attack in #Russia against Al Jazeera journalist @Ranya_Dridi. According to available information, the attacker was detained and investigation against him launched. Journalists need to be protected to be able to do their work freely.

I express my support to the renowned @novaya_gazeta leader Dmitry #Muratov & to all other independent and brave journalists who were labelled by #Russia as ‘foreign agents'. This troubling stigmatization constitutes a grim violation of our #OSCE commitments on #mediafreedom.
 

Today’s sentencing of Noviy Focus magazine editor Mikhail Afanasyev to 5.5 years in prison is a distressing reminder of the hostile & disabling climate for #mediafreedom & journalism in #Russia. I strongly condemn this decision & call for Afanasyev’s immediate release.

The conviction & subsequent 17-year imprisonment of journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev from #Chernovik newspaper in #Russia today is a matter of profound concern. I will continue to closely monitor the case & expect that a thorough examination will take place during the appeal.

I am dismayed by the recent arrest and harassment of @RFERL editor, Alsu Kurmasheva, in Kazan #Russia. It once again underscores the oppressive nature of ‘foreign agents’ and other laws, which obstruct the vital work of journalists. I call for Kurmasheva’s immediate release.

Recent attacks by #Russia on #Ukraine that also hit hotels where media reside, left @ZDF producer Svitlana Dolbysheva injured & @anadoluagency property damaged. It again shows the danger media run in this Russia-waged war. I reiterate: journalists must be able to work safely.

The recent rulings that again prolong the detention of @WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich & @RFERL editor Alsu Kurmasheva in #Russia are deeply concerning. I reaffirm that journalists should never be imprisoned for carrying out their duties.

.@article19org is the latest victim of #Russia's policy of branding international & domestic NGOs & media outlets as ‘undesirable’, effectively prohibiting their crucial work. This repressive tactic to silence independent watchdogs contradicts OSCE commitments & must cease.

Today marks the 2nd yr. of #Russia’s war on #Ukraine, a time of profound human suffering & destruction. It violates all #OSCE commitments, incl on #MediaFreedom & endangers journalists & our information spaces. I will continue to support Ukraine in addressing these challenges

Recent arrests of journalists Antonina Favorskaya @Sota_Vision & Olga Komleva @smirusnews & harassment of Alexandra Astakhova, Anastasia Musatova, Ekaterina Anikievich & Konstantin Zharov show that #Russia continues to undermine #FreedomofExpression by targeting independent media.

I condemn yesterday's destruction of #Kharkiv's television tower, another manifestation of #Russia's war of aggression in #Ukraine. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as media broadcasting facilities, are unacceptable and must cease immediately.

Last week’s arrests of Konstantin Gabov, Sergei Karelin & Sergei Mingazov continue the disturbing trend of targeting & harassing media workers in #Russia. I reiterate my call to the authorities to fully respect and act in line with #OSCE commitments on #MediaFreedom.

The authorities of #Russia banned access to 81 more international media outlets in the country, further shrinking the space for Russian citizens to receive accurate information. Censoring truly independent journalism goes against #OSCE commitments on #MediaFreedom & should stop.

I reiterate my call on the authorities of #Russia to end the crackdown on independent media and journalists. The recent designation of @MoscowTimes as ‘undesirable’ organization yet again flagrantly contradicts #OSCE commitments on #MediaFreedom.

I strongly condemn the harsh 16-year prison sentence given to @WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in #Russia. The authorities should release Gershkovich and cease the use of arbitrary arrests and harassment to silence media professionals in the country.