Germany: Investigative Journalist Irina Borogan Sued by Alexey Kozlov
The Coalition For Women In Journalism joins other civil society organizations to denounce the court’s approval of an injunction against the journalist
Location: Germany, Hamburg
Date: November 24, 2023
The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses grave concern and stands in solidarity with the Russian dissident authors Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan in light of the recent legal actions taken against their work. The injunction secured against their publisher in Germany, in response to their book "The Compatriots: The Brutal and Chaotic History of Russia’s Exiles, Émigrés, and Agents Abroad," represents a significant threat to freedom of expression and press. We urge the court to reconsider its decision, set to be appealed on December 8 by the book’s publisher Hachette Book Group.
Soldatov and Borogan, known for their investigative journalism and co-founding the Agentura.Ru website, have been subjected to a legal challenge by Alexey Kozlov, a Berlin-based financier. This action, notably delayed by three years after the publication of "The Compatriots: The Brutal and Chaotic History of Russia’s Exiles, Émigrés, and Agents Abroad," appears to be an attempt to silence critical voices and stifle journalistic inquiry. The partial success of this injunction, particularly the impact on the distribution of the English-language ebook in Germany, is deeply concerning.
The work of Soldatov and Borogan is vital in shedding light on critical issues, and that their reporting is based on a robust journalistic process, including interviews, public information, and third-party sources. The corrections in subsequent book editions demonstrate their commitment to accuracy and journalistic integrity.
The backdrop of repressive measures by the Russian state against Soldatov and Borogan, including the freezing of bank accounts and designation as "foreign agents," underscores the broader context of intimidation and isolation these journalists face due to their opposition to the war in Ukraine and their critical reporting.
Hachette Book Group is set to appeal an injunction against the book on December 8, 2023.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands, together with other organizations, in solidarity with Soldatov and Borogan, recognizing that this legal action is not just an attack on their work, but a broader tactic to intimidate and isolate independent media. The implications for the exile community and other Russian journalists are deeply troubling. We will closely monitor the appeal scheduled for 8 December 2023. We urge the court to immediately lift the injunction, defending the principle that journalism must not be hindered by those who seek to control narratives and suppress truth.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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