June 16, 2021- Veronika Samusik, a correspondent for independent news website, Sota.Vision, was detained by the police on June 11. Veronika was covering an assignment at Red Square in Moscow, a performance by artist Pavel Krisevich in support of political prisoners. Police officers dressed in plainclothes approached Veronika and confiscated her camera and memory card as she was recording the event. The journalist was then transferred to Kitay-Gorod police station as police charged her under investigation for hooliganism. Veronika was released on June 13, though the police officials did not return her camera equipment. The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the harassment and intimidation caused by police authorities. We demand Russian law enforcement to stop prosecuting critical voices and let journalists work without causing them unnecessary obstructions. 

Veronika shared in her interview that in the police station her status was mentioned as a suspect in hooliganism. She also stated to have faced threats by a police officer who introduced himself as an FSO officer. Veronika realized her situation and demanded the presence of a lawyer under article 15 of the constitution. 

According to Katerina Tertuchina, Veronika’s lawyer authorities could file charges against Veronika in one second. According to the Russian criminal code, the journalist could face imprisonment up to seven years if she was convicted under hooliganism charges. The lawyer presented more than 140 sureties for Veronika in court collected by her friends and colleagues. Veronika’s mother Yulia Samusik shared her concerns, stating that she was very concerned about the legal situation of her daughter. “Police dragged her and grabbed her at the time of the arrest. They confiscated her camera equipment very harshly and acted in a very rude way.” Yulia added.

Co-director for Russian Professional Union of Journalist and Media Workers, Igor Iasine also communicated his concerns over Veronika’s unlawful detention by police. He said that it was very concerning that police investigated Veronika as a suspect of hooliganism rather than a witness. He called on authorities to drop any further investigation against Veronika. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands Russian law enforcement authorities to end this legal harassment against the journalist. Police should return Veronika’s camera equipment and refrain from targeting her any further. We extend our support to Veronika and appreciate her courage.