Berlin, August 19, 2024 - The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has strongly criticized the decision made by Russian authorities to initiate legal proceedings against two Italian journalists, Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini. The criminal case accuses the journalists of allegedly crossing the border illegally from Ukraine into Russia. The CPJ has condemned this move, stating that it appears to be an attempt by Russian authorities to intimidate and silence international journalists covering the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.

Gulnoza Said, CPJ's Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator, expressed concern, saying, "Trying to put Italian journalists Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini on trial seems to be a desperate attempt by Russian authorities to intimidate and silence international journalists covering the Russian-Ukraine war." Said further added, "Russian officials must stop their harassment of journalists and respect the essential role of the press in conflict zones."

The decision to launch a criminal probe against Battistini and Traini follows their reporting on a Ukrainian military offensive into Russia's southern Kursk region that began on August 6. The duo, who work as correspondents for Italian public broadcaster RAI, provided coverage from the town of Sudzha. The footage showed the journalists inside a Ukrainian military vehicle, conversing with local residents and assessing the damage to houses and cars. This report marked the first foreign media coverage from the affected area.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, accused Battistini and Traini of distorting the facts in their reporting. She claimed that the journalists completely misrepresented the situation, stating, "Turning everything upside down - black was called white, and white was called black." Zakharova announced that law enforcement agencies will conduct further investigations into the matter.

In response to the border crossing allegations, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Italy's ambassador on August 16. Following this, Battistini and Traini decided to temporarily return to Italy, departing from Russia on August 18. Their employer RAI stated that the reason for their departure was solely to ensure the safety and personal protection of the two journalists.

CPJ has reached out to Battistini, as well as the Russian Foreign Ministry, for comment but has not received a response as yet. It remains to be seen how this case will unfold and what implications it may have on press freedom in conflict zones.

Editor's note: The dates of the Ukrainian military offensive and the journalists' return to Italy have been updated to reflect the most accurate information available.