Russian Journalist Ekaterina Barabash Reveals Perilous Escape from Moscow
A 63-year-old Russian journalist, Ekaterina Barabash, has spoken out about her daring escape from Moscow, where she faced a 10-year prison sentence for criticising the war in Ukraine. According to an interview with Sky News, Barabash was kept under house arrest in the Russian capital before making a dramatic escape to France with the help of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Barabash’s troubles began when she posted on Facebook against Russia’s actions in Ukraine between 2022 and 2023. One of her posts read: "So you (expletive) bombed the country, razed entire cities to the ground, killed a hundred children, shot civilians for no reason, blockaded Mariupol, deprived millions of people of a normal life and forced them to leave for foreign countries? All for the sake of friendship with Ukraine?" These comments led to her arrest upon her return from the Berlinale film festival in February. She was charged with spreading "false information" and branded a "foreign agent".
As reported by Sky News, Barabash was put under house arrest, but she disappeared on April 21, sparking fears for her safety. However, she resurfaced in Paris on April 26, her birthday, after a perilous journey across more than 2,800km of "clandestine routes" to evade surveillance. The RSF, also known by its French acronym, helped her tear off her electronic tag and navigate the treacherous escape.
In her first remarks since finding freedom, Barabash told Sky News: "There is no culture in Russia… there is no politics… it’s only war." She added that the very concept of a "Russian journalist" no longer made sense, saying it cannot exist "under totalitarianism". The journalist’s words highlight the dire situation for press freedom in Russia, where draconian laws have been in place since March 2022 to outlaw any public expression about the war that goes against the official government narrative.
Thibaut Bruttin, director of RSF, described Barabash’s escape as "one of the most perilous operations RSF has been involved in". He added: "At one point, we thought she might be dead." The organisation played a crucial role in helping Barabash evade capture and find safety in France.
The most difficult part of her escape, Barabash revealed, was knowing she’d be leaving her 96-year-old mother behind. She said: "I just understood that I’d never see her," adding that they both decided not seeing her while being free was better than a Russian prison. Barabash’s son and grandson remain in Kyiv, but she hasn’t been able to see them since the war started because "I have a Russian passport". Her story highlights the human cost of the conflict and the struggle for press freedom in Russia.
As reported by Sky News, Barabash’s case is just one example of the increasing pressure on journalists and activists in Russia who dare to speak out against the war. The Russian government’s crackdown on dissent has led to a significant increase in self-censorship and fear among journalists and media outlets. Barabash’s bravery in speaking out against the war and her subsequent escape to France serves as a testament to the enduring power of journalism and the importance of a free press.
In a statement to Sky News, Reporters Without Borders said that Barabash’s case demonstrates the critical role that organisations like theirs play in protecting journalists and promoting press freedom. The organisation has been instrumental in helping Barabash and other journalists evade capture and find safety.
The international community has expressed concern about the situation for press freedom in Russia, with many organisations and governments calling for greater protections for journalists and activists. As Barabash’s story demonstrates, the situation for journalists in Russia is becoming increasingly dire, and it is essential that the international community continues to shine a light on these issues.
In conclusion, Ekaterina Barabash’s story is a powerful reminder of the risks that journalists take when speaking out against authoritarian regimes. Her bravery and determination serve as an inspiration to journalists and activists around the world. As reported by Sky News, Barabash’s case highlights the critical importance of press freedom and the need for continued international pressure on the Russian government to respect the rights of journalists and activists.
