Russia: Women and Non-Binary Journalists Wanted by the Kremlin
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the Russian government’s attempts to intimidate journalists abroad
Location: Russia
Date: February 13, 2024Update: October 14, 2024
The Interior Ministry’s wanted list includes at least 21 women and non-binary journalists. The list includes Russian, Ukrainian and Italian journalists. All the Russian journalists listed live in exile. The wanted list also includes the Estonian Prime Minister, dozens of European politicians, and a US Senator. Women Press Freedom has documented Russia's escalating efforts to target and harass journalists beyond its borders since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This tactic of transnational oppression is a calculated move to undermine the safety of those who have sought refuge elsewhere and to intimidate those who dare to oppose Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine. We unequivocally condemn the Kremlin's harassment of journalists and dissidents, calling on governments in countries sheltering those on the list to prioritize their safety and ensure they are not unjustly treated due to their inclusion on the Kremlin's spurious wanted list.
Following the publication of a database featuring those on the Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted list, Women Press Freedom has identified the women journalists who have been issued an arrest warrant by authorities. The database containing 96,752 suspects was discovered by investigative reporters at Mediazona, who developed a search tool to identify those indicted. Among those targeted are the Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas, US Senator Lindsey Graham, and top human rights officials.
Although some listed were known to be included on the wanted list, the database has confirmed the addition of several journalists whom Women Press Freedom has reported on previously.
Most of the journalists listed are Russians who have fled the country, but there are also journalists from outside Russia included.
Impact on Those on Russia’s Wanted List
Being put on Russia's Interior Ministry's wanted list means that the Russian authorities have issued a warrant for your arrest or have listed you as a wanted person in connection with a criminal investigation or legal proceedings. If those listed enter Russia, they will be arrested by authorities. Many have scoffed at being put on Russia’s list, but there are consequences and travel limitations for those with arrest warrants.
It is unlikely in countries that oppose the war, but those residing outside of Russia could face extradition proceedings if they are in a country with an extradition treaty with Russia. The most troubling consequences of being on the list concern travel. Wanted persons can encounter travel restrictions, particularly in countries within the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). Due to intergovernmental search, those on the list could be detained in these countries.
Those with arrest warrants issued in their names could also have difficulty obtaining visas or residency permits, and face potential legal consequences if apprehended by law enforcement in another country.
For instance, Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen experienced difficulties applying for a visa to speak at an event in Australia. Despite being a well-known writer for The New York Times and The New Yorker, Gessen faced criminal checks from both Russia and the USA due to a bogus eight-year conviction issued by Russia in July 2024. Although the Australian government ultimately issued the visa after the issue was publicized, the incident underscores the real consequences of such persecution.
Worryingly, Russian exiles who expressed anti-war sentiment while residing in Serbia, one of the few European countries to maintain close ties with Russia following its invasion, have become increasingly vulnerable. In August 2023, Serbian authorities briefly detained Russian journalist Nataly Tyshkevich, who is wanted by Russia, at Belgrade airport. Serbia has denied re-entry to a Russian anti-war activist, and Kremlin critics who fled Russia to seek refuge in the Balkan country are increasingly worried they may be deported back to Russia for their views.
The countries where Russian journalists can obtain residency are limited due to restrictions on Russians applying for visas. Those seeking refuge and listed as wanted by the Kremlin could face further issues while seeking refuge.
Escalating Transnational Repression
Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has escalated its efforts to persecute journalists who continued to speak out against Moscow’s narrative surrounding the war. This harassment has extended beyond its borders, as the Russian government increasingly charges media workers abroad in absentia, adds them to wanted lists, and bans them from the country. Russian journalists living in exile who have criticized the Kremlin or have spoken publicly against the war on social media are particularly affected. Journalists have told Women Press Freedom that they fear for their families still living in Russia, who are vulnerable to state persecution because of their reporting. A journalist for Russian outlet The Insider, Marfa Smirnova, spoke publicly about the surveillance and intimidation of her relatives in Moscow after she had left the country.
On February 14, 2024, Putin signed into law yet another piece of legislation that can be used to target those living in exile. Those accused of spreading fake news about the Russian army can now have their property seized by the state. Numerous exiled journalists, including Veronika Belotserkovskaya, Yevgenia Baltatarova, Maria Menshikova, Svetlana Anokhina, Marina Ovsyannikova, Masha Gessen, have been charged with discrediting or spreading fake news about Russia’s armed forces.
All of these tactics prove that the Russian state is intent on harassing any journalist critical of its actions regardless of their location. Media workers globally can be targets.
Women Press Freedom denounces the Kremlin’s sinister efforts to stifle dissent and crackdown on independent journalists. The wanted list is yet another tool it wields to target journalists abroad. We urge the international community to collectively condemn the Interior Ministry’s charade of a wanted list and ensure that those in exile who are included are not persecuted in any way in the countries where they have sought refuge.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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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