Russia jails journalist Darya Shipacheva for 12 years on treason charge

Russian journalist Darya Shipacheva was convicted of treason by a Moscow court and sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony, according to Interfax news agency. The trial was conducted behind closed doors, and official details of the case were not released. However, Interfax reported that the charges were related to an alleged money transfer to Ukraine.

Shipacheva pleaded guilty and received the minimum sentence for the offense. Independent news outlet Mediazona shared a video from inside the courtroom showing Shipacheva appearing shocked by the verdict. Mediazona also reported that Shipacheva specialized in science and medical journalism and had worked for several prominent Russian media organizations.

This sentencing occurs as Russia has intensified censorship and pressure on independent media since the start of its war in Ukraine in 2022. Prior to Shipacheva's verdict, the Committee to Protect Journalists noted that 29 journalists were already imprisoned in Russia due to their work.