Russian journalist jailed 12 years for treason

Russian journalist Darya Shipacheva has been sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony after a Moscow court found her guilty of treason, according to the Interfax news agency.

The case was heard behind closed doors, and Russian authorities did not disclose details of the proceedings. However, Interfax, citing local media reports, said the charges were linked to an alleged transfer of money to Ukraine.

Shipacheva admitted guilt and received the minimum sentence prescribed for the offence. A brief video published by independent news outlet Mediazona showed her appearing visibly stunned as the court delivered its verdict.

Mediazona reported that Shipacheva was a science and medical journalist who had worked for several leading Russian media organisations.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has tightened restrictions on the media and expanded censorship measures, placing increasing pressure on independent journalists and news outlets.

Before the ruling, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said 29 journalists were being imprisoned in Russia in connection with their reporting and professional activities.

Source: Reuters