Yekaterina Neroznikova, a journalist and member of the Marem human rights group, is facing administrative charges in Russia for her alleged involvement with an "undesirable organization."
The charges stem from Neroznikova's participation in an interview with RFE/RL earlier this year, where she discussed the high-profile abduction of Seda Suleimanova, a native of Chechnya.
SEE ALSO: Chechen Woman's Disappearance Investigated As Possible Murder, Rights Group SaysThe administrative protocol was filed with the Zhukovsky City Court in Moscow Oblast on November 15, with a hearing scheduled for November 26.
Neroznikova, who left Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, disclosed the development to the OVD-Info human rights group, a prominent watchdog monitoring political persecution in Russia.
The case against Neroznikova is linked to her April 2024 appearance on RFE/RL’s program Human Rights Are A Right.
During the program, she discussed the abduction of Suleimanova, who was forcibly taken from St. Petersburg in August 2023 by local police and Chechen operatives. Suleimanova, who fled Chechnya in 2022 because of pressure being put on her to agree to a forced marriage, has been missing since September last year.
The charges against Neroznikova are seen as part of Russia’s broader crackdown on dissent and press freedom. Suleimanova's case has prompted global protests and solidarity campaigns highlighting ongoing human rights concerns in Chechnya and Russia in general.
According to Neroznikova, a man identifying himself as an officer of the Interior Ministry contacted her relatives last week before reaching out to her directly.
He informed her of the administrative charges, citing her commentary on RFE/RL as the reason.
RFE/RL's Russian Service and its multiple projects in the Russian language were designated as "undesirable organizations" in Russia in February 2024, making any association with them punishable under Russian law.
SEE ALSO: 'Undesirable' In Russia: What Does The Label Mean And What Are The Consequences?Participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization” in Russia can result in fines of up to 15,000 rubles for individuals. Repeat offenses within a year can escalate to criminal charges, carrying penalties of up to four years in prison.
Suleimanova's case has drawn international attention.
In 2022, she fled her family in Chechnya to avoid an arranged marriage and persistent conflicts.
In August 2023, she was abducted in St. Petersburg by individuals including local police and plainclothes Chechen security officers. She was taken to her family in Chechnya, and no information about her whereabouts has been available since September 2023.
An investigation into Suleimanova’s disappearance was launched in March 2024 following thousands of public appeals.
Despite the family's claims that she left home again in February, observers remain skeptical, citing conflicting statements made by her relatives.