Russia: Nika Novak Sentenced to 4-Years on Bogus Treason Charges, WPF Demands Her Release
November 26, 2024 - Russia, Chita
Women Press Freedom condemns the unjust conviction of journalist Nika Novak, sentenced to 4 years in a penal colony under the vague charge of “collaborating with a foreign organization.”
Since her secretive detention in December 2023, we have consistently demanded her release.
The freelance RFE/RL correspondent is the first journalist to be convicted under the 2022 law, marking another devastating blow to press freedom in Russia. Novak plans to appeal the conviction.
We call for Novak’s immediate release and an end to the Kremlin's persecution of independent and critical journalists.
We demand Pakistani authorities investigate the incidents and hold those responsible to account.
We demand Chinese authorities release Zhang Zhan immediately and end the persecution of journalists.
After announcing that EFJ would no longer be posting on X, Maja faced an onslaught of threats and misogynistic insults.
Journalist Nika Novak was sentenced to 4 years in a penal colony under the vague charge of “collaborating with a foreign organization.”
Several media workers detained in coordinated morning raids across the country. Among those detained are Roza Metina, Bilge Aksu, Ahmet Sümbül, and Erdoğan Alayumat.
Known for exposing human rights abuses in one of the world’s most repressive regimes, Soltan Achilova was detained under the false pretense of an “infection” and held without a clear diagnosis.
Journalist Meskerem Abera, founder of Ethio Nikat, sentenced to one year and four months for "computer crimes" over YouTube content, accused of inciting unrest
Attack comes after Russian authorities initiated an administrative case against Larina in July, accusing her of failing to label her content with the "foreign agent" tag.
On November 21, 2024, Muslimova disappeared after informing her niece she was heading to visit her mother. Witnesses later reported seeing her forced into a vehicle by FSB agents.
On November 22, 2024 the journalist received a death threat via Facebook from an account under the name Milenko Protić.
On November 22, 2024, the Court of Cassation has upheld Beritan Canözer’s prison sentence for "terrorist propaganda," stemming from her social media posts from 2013-2016.
While covering the “Stop, Serbia” rally in Belgrade on November 22, 2024, Nova journalist Ana Marković was punched by an angry driver, who also knocked her phone to the ground. Nearby bystanders intervened to defend her.
WPF strongly condemns the attack on Lorena Resulaj, who was physically assaulted while questioning Roskovec Mayor Majlinda Bufi. Shocking footage shows municipal staff forcibly removing the Piranjat reporter as the mayor looked on.
We demand authorities in the region to stop weaponizing the law to attack journalists and undermine press freedom. We also call for their immediate release and for them to be allowed to work freely without any fear of retaliation.
We demand authorities in the Philippines to probe Montes’ doxing and ensure protection of citizens’ data, holding culprits to accounts.
WPF stands with the journalists attacked this morning in Tbilisi, including OCMedia's Mariam Nikuradze, who fell twice, and camera operators violently assaulted by riot police while covering protests against election results.
Palestinian journalist Rasha Herzallah has been sentenced to 6 months in prison and fined by an Israeli military court for alleged "incitement on social media.
As the Baku hosts world leaders at COP29, wrongfully jailed Abzas Media journalists Sevinj Vagifqizi, Elnara Gasimova, & Nargiz Absalamova are assaulted in ther detention center.
Journalists Aytaj Tapdyg and Khayala Agaeva were briefly detained & forcibly removed while covering a COP29 protest in Baku.
Women Press Freedom condemns this harassment and calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately halt these practices and uphold press freedom.
Journalist Tanya Fowles, who uncovered serious flaws in the police handling of Katie Simpson’s case—whose death was initially misclassified as a suicide—alleges she has been under police surveillance in connection with her work on the case.
Bongani Siziba and cameraman Sbonelo Mkhasibe were detained in Maputo on Nov 14 while reporting on post-election unrest. After significant efforts by their outlet, News Central TV, and the South African Consulate, they were released.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the tragic killing of Sakina Mansour, along with her two sons and several other family members, in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Joun.
After questioning Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahçeli on potential disagreements with President Erdoğan, journalist Hilal Köylü faced public scolding and was told to "quit her profession."
Women Press Freedom condemns the unjust detention of Esra Ghorani, a reporter with the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), and her TV crew by Israeli occupation forces.
Jailed journalist Sandra Muhoza faces a 12-year prison sentence for sharing information in private WhatsApp group of media professionals about alleged government-led arms distribution.
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cumpio and demands her immediate release, along with the dismissal of all charges against her.
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the sexual assault of journalist Vida Rabbani, who is unjustly imprisoned.
Jailed journalist Ana Carolina Guaita faces trial for terrorism, inciting hatred, and obstructing public roads. In detention since August, she could face over a decade in prison if convicted on these bogus charges.
