The daughter of Irina Slavina, the late editor-in-chief of Koza Press, has been detained by Russian authorities for placing flowers at her mother’s memorial site. Slavina, a prominent journalist and activist, died in 2018 after setting herself on fire in front of a regional police building. Her death, which occurred during a protest against government policies, sparked international outrage and condemnation of Russia’s treatment of dissenters.
Slavina had been a vocal critic of the Russian regime, and her actions were seen as a direct challenge to state authority. Her daughter’s act of remembrance, while peaceful, has drawn a significant response from the authorities, raising concerns about ongoing censorship and repression in the country. The incident has reignited discussions about the dangers faced by journalists and activists in Russia, where freedom of expression remains severely restricted.
Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the detention, describing it as an attempt to silence dissent and intimidate family members of activists. The case highlights the broader climate of fear and self-censorship that has taken root within Russia’s media landscape. As the situation develops, it may further strain international relations and amplify calls for accountability over human rights violations in the country.