Russia opens criminal case against high-profile journalist critical of Ukraine war

Russia has opened a criminal case against Galina Timchenko, a Russian-born journalist leading a Latvia-based news outlet that reports critically on Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The Investigative Committee of Russia, which handles major criminal probes, announced the charges on Tuesday. Timchenko, co-founder and CEO of Meduza, could face up to six years in prison if convicted.

Authorities accuse her of organizing the activities of an “undesirable organization.” The committee claims she published videos designed to “foment protest sentiment” and involve citizens in the organization’s work.

Meduza, operating from Riga since 2014, has published in-depth investigations and daily updates on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The outlet moved abroad after Russia increased pressure on independent media.

In 2023, the Russian Ministry of Justice designated Timchenko a “foreign agent.” The label, a throwback to Soviet-era tactics, stigmatizes individuals and requires them to submit extensive financial disclosures. Hundreds of Russian citizens, mostly journalists and activists, have received the designation in the past two years.

“The Russian government’s crackdown on independent journalism continues to intensify,” said Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director. “These charges are politically motivated and meant to silence voices outside the Kremlin’s control.”

Under Russian law, organizations considered “undesirable” can be banned outright, and individuals working with them can face criminal prosecution. The government claims such groups threaten the country’s constitutional order.

Timchenko’s case follows increasing restrictions on speech since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. New laws punish critics of the war with fines or long prison terms. Sharing what the Kremlin calls “false information” about the military is now a criminal offense.

Russia's campaign against independent journalists also has deadly consequences.

In a related case, Ukraine this week confirmed the death of journalist Victoria Roshchyna. The 28-year-old vanished in August 2023 during a reporting trip to Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said she died in Russian detention.

Her body was returned to Ukraine in October 2024. Officials said it showed signs of torture.

“Victoria was one of the bravest journalists I knew,” said Petro Yatsenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s war prisoners coordination unit. “She told the truth, and that cost her her life.”

The crackdown on dissent and media freedom in Russia has drawn widespread international condemnation. European governments and human rights groups continue to call for an end to the persecution of journalists.

Despite growing risks, Meduza continues to publish. “We will not stop,” Timchenko said in a statement last year. “Our job is to inform, and no government can take that away from us.”