“The situation with the initiation of criminal cases against our journalists is, of course, indignant.
But it must be said that this, unfortunately, has become the new normalcy.
And in the international space, it is really very difficult for Russian-speaking journalists (not only citizens of Russia).
Their profession - it would seem, the profession of ordinary reporters, journalists working abroad - today can be equated with military men, ”Butina said.
According to her, it is not enough to be limited to public outrage - it is necessary to take appropriate measures.
“I believe that the first and most important thing is, of course, to appeal to international courts in order to defend the right of our journalists to freedom of expression.
Naturally, the initiation of criminal cases against them is simply unacceptable, and this must be taken into account, ”the OP member said.
In addition, she noted, it is very important for journalists to create some kind of association - either under the auspices of the Union of Journalists, or as a separate international structure.
Her tasks should include providing prompt legal assistance to fellow citizens, because in such a situation they do not understand who to contact, Butina added.
On December 3, in Latvia, criminal cases were opened against employees of Baltnews and Sputnik Latvia, they were charged with violating the EU sanctions regime.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the actions of the Latvian authorities and regarded them as a violation of the foundations of a democratic society and freedom of the media.
The Russian embassy said that on December 3, the Latvian special services used a full range of repressive measures against Russian-speaking journalists: detentions, interrogations, searches and criminal charges.