Russian authorities target exiled founder of SOTAvision and three colleagues

Location: Russia, Moscow
Date: May 15, 2024

Women Press Freedom staunchly condemns the unjust fines imposed on exiled journalist Aleksandra Ageyeva for purported breaches of Russia's draconian "foreign agents" law. Women Press Freedom has documented how Ageyeva, who was labeled a "foreign agent" in February 2022, has faced relentless governmental pressure, a designation that stigmatizes and severely hampers the work of independent journalists in Russia. This legislation is a key instrument in the Kremlin’s broader campaign of transnational repression, aiming to silence critical voices. Women Press Freedom denounces these repressive actions and demands an immediate end to the Kremlin’s aggressive clampdown on the free press.

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On May 15, 2024, the Tagansky District Court in Moscow fined Aleksandra Ageyeva and her colleague Mumin Shakirov for alleged violations of Russia’s stringent “foreign agents” law. 

Ageyeva, the founder of SOTAvision received a fine of 10,000 rubles (approximately $111), while Shakirov, a reporter for the news outlet, was fined 30,000 rubles (approximately $333). 

The fines were imposed without their presence, as neither journalist was informed about the court hearing. SOTAvision has pledged to appeal the decision, citing a lack of due process and transparency in the judicial proceedings.

Ageeva was designated a "foreign agent" in February 2022, prompting her to leave Russia and move to Riga, Latvia.

Since its inception in December 2015 by Antonina Favorskaya, SOTAvision has been a critical voice in Russian media, producing impactful reports and documentaries, including the notable film "Nemtsov." The outlet has gained recognition for its in-depth coverage of political events and advocacy for political prisoners such as Alexey Navalny. However, the designation of SOTAvision as a "foreign agent" in 2023 has severely restricted its operations, subjecting its journalists to intense governmental scrutiny and harassment. Its journalist Antonina Favorskaya was put behind bars in March and is facing bogus extremism charges for her extensive reporting on Navalny.

Women Press Freedom demands justice for Aleksandra Ageyeva, Mumin Shakirov, and all SOTAvision journalists. The fines, executed without their presence and lacking proper notification, epitomize the Russian government's continuous efforts to suppress independent journalism and intimidate press members in exile. The international community must hold Russia accountable for these egregious violations of press freedom and support efforts to protect journalists from transnational repression.

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