Alexei Navalny, a staunch opponent of President Putin in Russia, may have died, but his opposition activities continue. Even Russia's security agencies are surprised to see this. In this case, the Russian government has now arrested two journalists on charges of working for the group founded by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Russian courts on Saturday ordered his detention pending investigation and trial.
It is noteworthy here that Russian opposition leader Navalny died in February. These journalists have been arrested on charges of “extremism”. However, both arrested journalists, Konstantin Gabov and Sergei Karlin, have denied the allegations. Both will be sent to custody for at least two months before any hearing begins in the case. According to Russian courts, if the charge of “participation in an extremist organization” is proven, he could be sentenced to a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years in prison.
Putin is cracking down on those who speak against the government
In Russia, the government's crackdown on those who speak out against the government and independent media has intensified in recent days and has intensified since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These journalists have been arrested in this sequence. Gabov and Karlin are accused of making programs for the YouTube channel run by Navalny's 'Foundation for Fighting Corruption'. This channel has been declared illegal by the Russian authorities. The press service of the court reported that Gabov was detained in Moscow.
Gabov has worked for several organizations. Karlin, who holds dual citizenship of Israel and Russia, was detained in Russia's northern Murmansk region on Friday night. Carlin (41) has worked for many organizations.