Coronavirus: press freedom under threat in Russia

Rally for the defense of freedom of expression and information in central Moscow, June 16, 2019 (illustration image). Yuri KADOBNOV / AFP

Text by: Daniel Vallot

This is a fear shared by many NGOs defending the right to the press: the fight against the coronavirus could further restrict freedom of information. An already very disturbing example in Chechnya. The leader of the territory located in the Russian Caucasus, Ramzan Kadyrov, did not hesitate to threaten with death a journalist who had made the mistake of criticizing his way of managing the epidemic.

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From our correspondent in Moscow,

These are very violent statements that can be heard on a video posted on social networks. Reacting to an article in the Novaya Gazeta newspaper , Ramzan Kadyrov barely veiled over death threats against its author. If you want us to commit a crime, tell us. One of us will take on this responsibility.  "

The author of the article is called Elena Milachina. This experienced journalist has already been threatened several times by the Chechen authorities. But never, she tells us, so directly.

“  I am afraid for my safety and for my life. We have filed several appeals with the justice system, but nothing has been done. The State did not respond to any of our requests. "

Despite these threats Milachina Elena wants to continue to do its job. But she fears that with the coronavirus, intimidation will increase against journalists and their sources of information.

“  People who agree to testify, doctors for example, do so anonymously because they take risks. In Russia they fear losing their jobs and in Chechnya they fear for their lives. "

Also to listen: In Russia, the concern of doctors facing the coronavirus

The threats made by Ramzan Kadyrov against Elena Milachina have been described as an " emotional  " reaction  by the Kremlin, who sees there "  nothing abnormal  ".  

Several international human rights organizations are alarmed by this casual response, and call for measures to be taken to ensure the safety of the journalist.

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  • Coronavirus
  • Freedom of press
  • Media
  • Russia
  • Chechnya
  • Human rights

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