Russia fines veteran journalist for 'justifying terrorism'

reuters

A Russian court fined journalist Nadezhda Kevorkova 600,000 roubles for "justifying terrorism" over a Telegram post about the Taliban. Arrested in May 2024, she maintains her innocence.

Russian military court has fined veteran war correspondent Nadezhda Kevorkova 600,000 roubles ($6,900) after finding her guilty of "justifying terrorism." The 66-year-old, known for her extensive coverage of the Middle East, was arrested in May 2024 in Moscow but maintained her innocence throughout the trial.

Kevorkova stated in court, "I have never supported and do not support any political organisations. I do not support terrorist activity." The charges stemmed from a post she made on her Telegram channel about the Taliban’s efforts to free its fighters from Afghan prisons. Though Russia considers the Taliban a terrorist organization, there have been signs of shifting relations, with President Putin calling the group an "ally" in counterterrorism efforts.

This comes as the Russian government continues its crackdown on media freedom, with at least 40 journalists currently detained in the country, according to Reporters Without Borders.

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