Russia: CFWIJ calls out state officials for their inability to protect Natalya Zubkova

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March 3, 2021— Natalya Zubkova, editor in chief for The Novosti Kiselevsk network, faced horrific threats on February 25. She was attacked by a man who grabbed her from behind and pushed her into the snow. The assailant threatened her with further attacks if “she dares to open her mouth again.” For safety reasons, Natalya had to flee Kuzbass city, along with her young daughters. The journalist shared the harrowing details in a YouTube video she posted on February 27. Natalya has taken shelter in an undisclosed location. CFWIJ is appalled by this unfortunate incident, and we offer Natalya our full support. We demand Russian officials to investigate the attack immediately and apprehend the culprit. 

The journalist was walking her dog when an unknown man attacked her. According to Natalya, she had to leave urgently to protect her family. She named several Russian officials, “Russia's Prosecutor-General Igor Krasnov, the governor of the Kemerovo region, Sergei Tsivilyov, and the mayor of Kiselyovsk, Maksim Shkarabeinikov,” stating if anything happens to her or her family, they should be held responsible. In her statement shared on YouTube, she reiterated that no action was taken to ensure her safety, despite filing several complaints. 

Natalya has endured state-backed intimidation and libel cases in the past. She is targeted for her activism and coverage of public issues. She previously received death threats for writing a story that exposed the negligence of a school committee. Her private information was published without consent, and when she tried to file a complaint, the authorities initiated a criminal defamation case against her instead. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled by the distressing details of the attack against Natalya Zubkova. We demand Russian authorities immediately address her complaints and apprehend the criminal behind the attack. We provide our support to the journalist and hope to see her aggressor brought to justice.