Russia: EFJ condemns threats against RAI journalists
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its Italian affiliate FNSI in strongly condemning Russian threats to prosecute Italian journalists covering the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Kursk region, in Russia. The EFJ considers that these intimidations amount to censorship and are aimed at preventing public opinion from being informed about ongoing operations.
Russian media reported on Friday that the Russian interior ministry intends to press criminal charges against Italian journalists who reported from the region of Kursk. The journalists would be charged under “article 322 of the criminal code of the Russian Federation over the illegal crossing of State borders”. The threat issued by the Russian authorities on Friday actually targeted RAI reporters Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini, who covered the Ukrainian army’s takeover of the Russian town of Sudzha for TG1 (RAI).
RAI journalists Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini are currently safe in Ukraine.
“Stefania Battistini is known in Italy as a serious and competent war correspondent,” reacted EFJ Steering Committee member Anna Del Freo. ” She and her colleague Simone Traini have produced independent journalistic reports. It is unacceptable that Moscow should want to open criminal proceedings against them, just as it is extremely serious that death threats against Stefania have appeared on certain Italian social networks”.
“We stand in solidarity with Stefania, Simone and all media workers risking their lives to report from conflict zones,” added Sergiy Tomilenko, President of the National Union of journalists of Ukraine. “Their bravery is essential for a free and informed society. Such intimidation tactics by Moscow are unacceptable and violate international legal standards protecting journalists. We are relieved Stefania and Simone are safe and call on the international community to condemn these threats and ensure the safety of journalists covering the war in Ukraine”.
