Forbes Journalist Sergey Mingazov Placed Under House Arrest in Russia Over "Fake News" Accusations
Moscow, Russia – Sergey Mingazov, a journalist for Forbes Russia, has been placed under house arrest for a minimum of two months pending trial on charges of spreading "fake news" about the Russian armed forces. The arrest, reported by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, stems from Mingazov’s reposting of articles on his Telegram channel detailing alleged atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha, Ukraine. The case underscores the increasing pressure faced by journalists in Russia, particularly those reporting on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and highlights the government’s tightening grip on information dissemination.
Mingazov’s lawyer, Konstantin Bubon, confirmed the journalist’s detention and revealed the specific accusations revolve around a Telegram post concerning the events in Bucha. The town, liberated by Ukrainian forces in March 2022 after a period of Russian occupation, became a symbol of the brutality of the war following the discovery of mass civilian casualties. Ukraine and international bodies have accused Russian forces of war crimes in Bucha, allegations vehemently denied by the Kremlin. Mingazov’s Telegram channel, with a modest subscriber count of 476 at the time of his arrest, featured reposts from news organizations like the BBC’s Russian service and Radio Freedom. These reposts, covering the alleged atrocities, formed the basis of the charges against him.
The Russian authorities allege that Mingazov knowingly disseminated false information under the guise of legitimate reporting, exploiting the sensitive nature of the Bucha incident. The Investigative Committee of the Khabarovsk territory, echoing the official stance, stated that the accused, without naming Mingazov, acted out of “political hatred” and spread deliberately false information about the Russian Armed Forces. This incident is part of a larger pattern of crackdowns on journalists and dissenters in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began. The state has increasingly used the "fake news" law as a tool to stifle independent reporting and suppress critical voices, raising concerns about freedom of expression within the country.
The house arrest imposed on Mingazov, according to his lawyer, is a “preventative measure” – a pre-trial restriction commonly employed in the Russian legal system. Under the terms of his house arrest, Mingazov is prohibited from using the internet and his communication is restricted to family members, legal counsel, investigators, and medical professionals. This isolation effectively cuts him off from his journalistic work and limits his ability to mount a defense. The case against Mingazov comes amid a rising tide of legal actions against journalists in Russia, creating a chilling effect on independent reporting and contributing to an environment of fear and self-censorship within the media landscape.
Mingazov’s detention is just the latest in a string of arrests targeting journalists critical of the Russian government or reporting on sensitive topics. Prominent figures like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich have also been detained, facing serious charges related to their journalistic activities. Furthermore, courts have issued arrest warrants in absentia for journalists who have fled the country, including Alexander Nevzorov, Dmitry Gordon, and Marina Ovsyannikova, for their public criticism of the state. This escalating crackdown paints a grim picture of media freedom in Russia and raises concerns about the future of independent journalism in the country.
In another separate incident highlighting the broadening scope of the crackdown, Konstantin Gabov, a Russian journalist allegedly working as a producer for Reuters, was detained on charges of “extremism.” The Basmanny District Court press service linked Gabov to the production of content for "NavalnyLIVE," a YouTube channel associated with the imprisoned opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Gabov’s alleged involvement in preparing visual materials for the channel has landed him in detention for at least two months. The Russian authorities had previously designated Navalny and his organizations as "extremist," thereby criminalizing any association with his group. This case underscores the increasing risks faced by journalists working with or for individuals and organizations deemed unfavorable by the state, further restricting the space for independent voices and critical reporting. The cumulative effect of these arrests and legal actions sends a clear message: critical journalism and dissent are not tolerated in Russia. The increasing pressure on the media landscape raises serious concerns about the future of free expression and the public’s right to access independent information.