Russian journalist Antonina Favorskaya, also known as Antonina Kravtsova, has been detained and imprisoned in Moscow on extremism charges related to her coverage of the trial of late Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. A Moscow court ordered her to be held in custody until at least May 28 while awaiting investigation and trial, as reported by The Associated Press.

Favorskaya's hearing took place behind closed doors, a decision that she and her lawyer protested. Mediazona, an independent news site, released a video showing Favorskaya being forcefully removed by an official. The charges against her include collecting material, producing and editing videos, and publishing content for Navalny's foundation, which authorities have deemed extremist. She faces charges of involvement in an extremist group, punishable by up to six years in prison.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, passed away in February while serving a 19-year sentence for extremism in a high-security prison. President Joe Biden, along with other international leaders, criticized Navalny's death and blamed Putin for his demise.

Favorskaya's initial arrest occurred on March 17, when she was laying flowers on Navalny's grave. She spent ten days in jail for alleged disobedience before being charged again, leading to her court appearance on Friday.

According to Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokesperson, Favorskaya did not publish anything on Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation platform. Yarmysh expressed disbelief at the accusation, stating, "Even if we disregard the falsehood of the accusation, it still boils down to the journalist being prosecuted for her journalistic activities. It's not surprising, but it is a dark situation."

Reporters Without Borders, an organization advocating for press freedom, noted that Favorskaya is among a group of six reporters who were arrested in Russia within a span of a few hours. Additionally, the hearing coincided with the one-year anniversary of the detention of Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, who is currently awaiting trial in Moscow.

The case of Antonina Favorskaya highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Russia, where press freedom is increasingly restricted. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as concerns grow over the erosion of independent journalism in the country.

*This news article is based on information provided by The Associated Press.*