US journalist Masha Gessen convicted in absentia by Russian court
GuardianJUL 2024
US Jounalist Convicted In Absentia by Moscow Court
Image copyright: Morris MacMatzen/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Under Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship, Russia continues to prosecute journalists and infringe on basic human rights. The Kremlin has long targeted Masha Gessen for their staunch criticism of Putin and their commitment to reporting the truth. As Russia continues its brutal campaign in Ukraine, it also maintains its strict repression of speech and imprisons journalists for doing their job. While unsurprising, this conviction shows Russia’s assault on democracy and freedom.
Pro-Russia narrative
Masha Gessen has long operated as a foreign agent of the US, leaving Russia more than 10 years ago in order to promote LGBTQ+ propaganda. However, she continued to spread misinformation about the Russian military to provoke further Russophobia abroad. Russia does not, and will not, allow foreign agents to lie about its military operation, and Masha Gessen is no exception.