Russia: CFWIJ condemns the persistent judicial harassment targeting journalist Darya Komarova

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June 25, 2021- Darya Komarova, a correspondent for the Idel Realities project of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, faced another episode of legal persecution by judicial authorities. The Chuvashia regional Supreme Court overturned the acquittal decision previously issued by the Leninsky district court. Darya is facing trial for her coverage of the protests of August last year through to this year. CFWIJ condemns the legal persecution of the journalist and urges Russian judicial authorities to reconsider their decision.  

Darya shared that in the latest hearing of her trial, the judge questioned the absence of the date and registration number on her papers while covering the rally. She mentioned that the judge also raised the accreditation issue of the reporters working for foreign media outlets. 

The Leninsky district court had earlier ruled that Komarov was not a participant in the demonstrations but was present as a reporter. The interior ministry of Chuvashia appealed the acquittal pertaining to the charges associated with her coverage of the rallies on January 23 and January 31. So, the objection regarding her coverage of the August 2020 rally was brought before the supreme court. 

Harassing free media is an old practice in the country. CFWIJ has documented several such violations and threats against Russian women journalists. CFWIJ registered the incident of police harassment against journalist Veronika Samusik when she was detained on June 16. Veronika was covering a work-related assignment when plainclothes  police officers approached her and confiscated her camera and memory card. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism believes the supreme court of Russia must reconsider its decision. Given her contributions as a correspondent, she has established herself as a credentialed reporter. We believe the Russian authorities need to end their harassment of women journalists and allow them to report freely without the fear of retribution.