Russian journalists arrested over ties to Navalny’s YouTube channel amid crackdown on dissent following Ukraine invasion

Russian journalists Konstantin Gabov and Sergey Karelin were both arrested this week over alleged links to Alexey Navalny’s prominent anti-corruption YouTube channel, as authorities continue their crackdown on dissent in Russia following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gabov has been accused by Moscow’s Basmanny District Court press service of producing content for the “NavalnyLIVE” channel and faces charges of preparing photo and video materials – accusations he denies. Reuters, who listed Gabov as one their staff members until recently, have not commented on his arrest.
Karelin was arrested in Russia’s northwest Murmansk region over allegedly being involved with an “extremist organisation”, following a similar pattern of action taken against other former colleagues and supporters of the late Russian opposition politician. Karelin previously worked for outlets including Associated Press (AP) and German publication Deutsche Welle, until DW was banned in Russia last year.
Their arrests come as President Vladimir Putin’s regime continues to target journalists and critics amidst an escalating crackdown on dissent following the invasion of Ukraine – a move which has led Forbes journalist Sergey Mingazov being placed under house arrest over allegations he spread fake news about Russia’s military.
Navalny, who was Putin’s most formidable political opponent before his death last year while in custody, has been labelled by his family and supporters as the mastermind behind their latest imprisonments – a claim rejected by Kremlin officials.