Two Russian journalists arrested for making videos for Navalny group | Abroad

Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin are accused of preparing videos for the YouTube channel of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, the US News Agency reports Associated Press (AP).

The Anti-Corruption Foundation has been banned by Russian authorities. Navalny was a known Putin critic and died in February under suspicious circumstances in a prison camp in Siberia.

Gabov works as a freelance journalist for a news agency, among others Reuters. Karelin worked as a video journalist for a news agency, among others AP. “AP is deeply concerned about the detention of Russian journalist Sergey Karelin,” the news agency wrote in a statement.

According to Russian courts, the journalists face a minimum prison sentence of two years and a maximum of six years for alleged “participation in an extremist organization”. Both Gabov and Karelin deny the accusations.

Journalists are arrested more often in Russia. The Kremlin does not tolerate criticism of their policies. Tough action is also being taken against opposition figures, activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

It will take at least two months before the trial against Gabov and Karelin begins. Until then, both journalists are in custody.