March 21, 2025 – Freedom Person
Sasha Alexandrovа is a Russian journalist from Yakutia, known for her work in regional media. She began her career in the media group "Sitim," then worked for News.Ykt.ru and collaborated with the publication Sakhaday. Later, she created her own website, ZIMA, and the associated Telegram channel, which she later renamed to "Sasha was online."
After the start of the special military operation in Ukraine in 2022, Alexandrovа left Russia and moved to Kazakhstan. There, she continued publishing critical materials about the Russian authorities. In her publications, she condemned the government's actions and stated that the profession of journalism in Russia had "completely died." She also mentioned that she continued to assist independent publications that had been moved to email newsletters.
In 2024, Alexandrovа returned to Russia and continued criticizing the Russian authorities. On March 20, 2025, FSB officers detained her in Yakutsk on charges of publicly calling for terrorist activity and justifying terrorism (Part 2, Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code). On March 21, a court decided to place her in custody. The publication "Vesti Yakutii" reported that she was charged with a crime against public safety.
Until 2022, she worked with the editorial team of the Ykt.ru website and the online publication SakhaDay. In her articles, she also covered topics related to independent journalism, censorship, and pressure on the media in Russia.
The reason for the criminal case remains unknown. In her Telegram channel, Alexandrovа critically commented on the supporters of the war in Ukraine and local officials. As of today, her Telegram channel has 541 subscribers.
The case of Alexandrovа highlights the trend of tightening control over freedom of speech in Russia. According to international human rights organizations, in recent years, the number of criminal cases related to online statements has significantly increased. Journalists, bloggers, and activists face blockages, fines, and real prison sentences. In the 2024 Reporters Without Borders report, Russia ranked near the bottom in the press freedom index, which reflects the challenging situation for independent media and citizens expressing alternative viewpoints.
Alexandrovа's case fits into the broader context of the increasing penalties for public statements. Her arrest raises questions about the limits of acceptable criticism and the degree of independence of Russian media in the current environment. In a situation where every word can be interpreted as a threat to national security, journalism in Russia is becoming an increasingly risky profession.
by V. Ivanenko, Human Rights Defender
