Gleb Trifonov, the editor-in-chief of the Russian news outlet Baza, has been formally charged with bribery. Trifonov was taken into custody after police conducted searches at his home and the outlet’s office in Moscow. The charges come amid heightened scrutiny of independent media outlets in Russia, where the government has been cracking down on journalists and media organizations perceived as critical of the state.
Baza, known for its investigative reporting and coverage of high-profile political figures, has been a target of government pressure in recent years. The outlet has previously faced administrative fines and restrictions on its operations. Trifonov, who took over as editor-in-chief in 2022, has been a vocal critic of government policies and has often challenged official narratives.
The formal charge of bribery against Trifonov marks a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to control the media landscape. Legal experts suggest that such charges are often used to silence dissenting voices and limit the scope of independent journalism. The case has drawn international attention, with some media organizations and human rights groups condemning the move as an attack on press freedom.