Sergei Markelov (Сергей Маркелов), a Russian journalist currently residing in the United States, has reported that he is allegedly now the subject of a criminal investigation in Russia. Markelov shared this development on his Facebook page, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, although he refrained from giving detailed information. According to reports from the outlet Mediazona (Медиазона – https://en.zona.media/), his name does not yet appear in the official Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted list database, but delays in listing such cases are not uncommon. According to the journalist himself, his legal representative learned about the new developments from the investigator.
You can read the Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8654481981332992&set=a.777813602333242
You can read Mediazona article here: https://zona.media/news/2024/11/06/markelov
Markelov has an extensive journalistic background, having collaborated with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s North.Realities (RFE/RL – https://www.rferl.org/author/rfe-rls-north-realities/pmouqt), the 7×7 (семь на семь – Горизонтальная Россия – https://semnasem.org/) regional news platform, and Novaya Gazeta (Новая газета – https://novayagazeta.eu/en). The allegations stem from alleged accusations of non-compliance with Russia’s stringent regulations for individuals labeled as “foreign agents.” Markelov was one of the first individuals added to this controversial register in December 2020, alongside other prominent journalists and activists.
Efforts to challenge his designation as a “foreign agent” proved unsuccessful, in November 2021, the City Court in Moscow (Москва), Russia, rejected his appeal. More recently, in November 2023, Markelov joined 19 other “foreign agents” in filing a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee, arguing that the Russian government’s actions amount to persecution.
The “foreign agent” status in Russia entails severe restrictions. Those classified under this law face penalties for reporting errors, including fines or even imprisonment. As of 2022, further limitations were imposed, barring “foreign agents” from certain professions and public roles, such as teaching at state institutions and organizing events. Russian authorities are reportedly considering additional measures to tighten control over this group.
Markelov remains vocal despite these challenges. He humorously acknowledged his new status in a social media post, but the situation underscores the serious consequences for those opposing Russia’s policies. His case is emblematic of broader suppression efforts against journalists and activists who seek to hold the Russian government accountable.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the allegedly criminal case initiated against journalist Sergei Markelov in Russia. Such actions represent an alarming suppression of free press and an ongoing effort to silence journalists under the guise of restrictive “foreign agent” laws. SEEMO emphasizes the importance of protecting journalistic freedoms and will be closely monitoring the situation to support Markelov and to advocate for the rights of all journalists facing unjust persecution. The organization remains steadfast in calling for respect for media independence and safety.
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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