In a disturbing development, several independent journalists were detained in Moscow and their homes were searched by the police overnight, according to human rights group OVD-Info. The incidents took place on Wednesday and Thursday.

One journalist, Antonina Favorskaya from SOTAvision, had just completed a 10-day sentence for "insubordination to the police" after visiting Alexey Navalny's grave. As Favorskaya's colleagues, Alexandra Astakhova and Anastasia Musatova, arrived at a detention center to meet her, they were also detained by the authorities.

According to OVD-Info, Musatova is a witness in a new case against Favorskaya. Favorskaya is reportedly charged with "participating in an extremist organization", specifically Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund, which was declared extremist in 2021. Musatova was released after questioning on Thursday afternoon, but it remains unclear what role she will play in the ongoing case.

Astakhova, on the other hand, is currently being questioned by the police, and her status in the case is unknown at this time.

In addition to the detentions, the police conducted searches at the homes of all three journalists as well as at the residence of Favorskaya's parents. This raises concerns about the authorities' crackdown on independent journalism and the violation of individuals' privacy rights.

Meanwhile, two more journalists, Konstantin Zharov from RusNews and Yekaterina Anikievich from SOTAvision, were detained near Favorskaya's home on Wednesday night. Eyewitnesses reported that Zharov was subjected to police violence during his arrest.

Both Zharov and Anikievich were later transferred to the hospital without a police escort. Zharov was charged with "insubordination to the police," while the specific charges against Anikievich remain unknown.

These latest incidents highlight the increasing challenges faced by independent journalists in Russia, where press freedom has come under severe scrutiny. Human rights organizations and press freedom advocates are urging the authorities to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, as well as uphold their rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the international community to closely monitor these cases and continue to raise concerns about the deteriorating press freedom landscape in Russia.

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