Yesterday (11/26), a Russian court in the Siberian city of Chita sentenced Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Nika Novak to four years in prison. “The unjust conviction of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak continues Russia’s cruel pattern of persecuting and silencing journalists simply for reporting the truth,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “Nika has been wrongly detained by Russia for more than 11 months on bogus charges. It’s time for her to be released without delay and allowed to return to her family.” “We condemn the unjust conviction and sentencing of RFE/RL journalist Nika Novak in Russia,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus. “These politically motivated charges are intended to silence individual reporters and cause a chilling effect. We call for Nika’s immediate release to her family.” Novak was first detained by Russia on December 25, 2023. Sources close to the investigation told RFE/RL on November 26 that Novak was found guilty of “collaboration with a foreign organization on a confidential basis.” Since 2022, Novak has collaborated with RFE/RL as a freelance correspondent for Siberia.Realities. She has been the head of the Gifted Center in Chita since 2021. Previously, Novak worked at ChitaMedia and served as editor-in-chief of the Zab.ru news website. Learn more about Nika Novak’s case here.
