Russian Journalist Sentenced to Four Years for Foreign Media Collaboration

Nika Novak, formerly associated with U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe, was convicted in a closed trial for producing materials deemed to discredit Russia's military.

• Nika Novak, a 24-year-old journalist, was sentenced by a Russian court to four years in prison for collaborating with a foreign media organization.
• The court accused Novak of creating false materials aimed at damaging Russia's reputation and destabilizing the country.
• Novak, who previously worked as a freelancer for U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was arrested in December 2023 and tried in the eastern city of Chita.
• Human rights groups, including Memorial, have labeled Novak a political prisoner, highlighting concerns over press freedom and Russia's foreign agent laws.
• Her case follows broader crackdowns on dissent in Russia, with over 1,000 individuals facing charges for opposing the war in Ukraine.

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