Russian Journalists on Trial Amid Crackdown on Dissent

Four Russian journalists are on trial in Moscow, accused of working with an anti-corruption group founded by the late Alexei Navalny, declared an extremist organization by authorities. The trial is part of a broader Kremlin effort to silence opposition following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Supporters showed solidarity as the trial commenced behind closed doors.

Four Russian journalists went on trial in Moscow on Wednesday after being accused of working for an anti-corruption group founded by the late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, which was designated by authorities as an extremist organization in 2021.

Antonina Favorskaya, Artyom Kriger, Sergey Karelin, and Konstantin Gabov were arrested earlier this year and charged with involvement in an extremist group, a criminal offense punishable by up to six years in prison. All four have rejected the charges.

The trial is being held behind closed doors, the latest step in the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent that has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Supporters of the journalists showed their solidarity as the trial commenced. Addressing reporters, Kriger warned other journalists in Russia about the risks they face.

(With inputs from agencies.)