Meduza journalist Asya Zolnikova has been sentenced in absentia to two and a half years in prison over two articles.

The Tushinsky District Court in Moscow has sentenced journalist Asya Zolnikova in absentia to two and a half years in a general regime penal colony for participating in the activities of an “undesirable” organisation (part 1 of article 284.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). Mediazona reports this, citing the Moscow prosecutor’s press office. In addition, Zolnikova has been banned for seven years from engaging in socio-political activity and using the internet.

According to the prosecution, in 2025 the journalist wrote two articles for Meduza. The prosecutor’s office did not specify which ones.

In 2024, Zolnikova was fined 12,000 roubles (about US$130) in an administrative case for involvement in the activities of an “undesirable” organisation (article 20.33 of the Administrative Code). The reason for this was her article for Meduza about how wars have changed the face of cities in various countries.

The criminal case against the journalist became public in the summer of 2026. In July, the court ordered Zolnikova’s arrest in absentia. Earlier, the same court authorised a search of her mother’s home.

The Prosecutor General’s Office declared Meduza an “undesirable” organisation in January 2023.