A new glimmer of hope: Nawalny's widow starts for freedom!

A new glimmer of hope: Nawalny's widow starts for freedom!

Paris, Frankreich - on June 4, 2025, the birthday of the late opposition leader Alexej Nawalny, the new television station "Future Russia" (Russia’s Future) starts. Julia Nawalnaja, the widow of Nawalny, announced the broadcaster, who will send in cooperation with the NGO Reporter Without Borders (RSF) from Paris. The aim of the broadcaster is to strengthen the freedom of the press in Russia and to preserve the legacy of Nawalny, who died in Russian imprisonment. Nawalny succumbed to his injuries in prison in February 2024 after being sentenced to 19 years in prison due to "extremism".

The broadcaster is broadcast on the Hotbird 13G satellite on the Eutelsat and reaches up to 61 million households in parts of Russia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Julia Nawalnaja emphasizes the importance of the new channel as a "direct way to people", especially those who use television as the main source of information. Contents of the Russian opposition in exile are to be sent to escape the Kremlin censorship measures. Nawalnaja had previously tried to spread political content on YouTube, but the platform for users in Russia had been blocked.

freedom of the press in Russia

The situation of freedom of the press in Russia is alarming. According to reports from DW , Russia shows in the ranking of press freedom 171 of 180 countries. At the moment, at least 38 journalists in Russia are detained, including four, who are charged with an "extremist association" due to alleged belonging. These journalists had reported on the anti-corruption Foundation (FBK) of Nawalny and are currently in a process that takes place to the exclusion of the public.

The four defendants are Antonia Krawzowa, Artjom Kriger, Konstantin Gabow and Sergej Karelin. Krawzowa, the last journalist who was able to film Nawalny before his death, expresses the suspicion in her letters that Nawalny was killed by the authorities. Kriger and Gabow also report on the hard conditions in prisons and the pressure under which journalists in Russia are.

a glimmer of hope for the opposition

With the start of "Future Russia" Julia Nawalnaja sets a strong sign against censorship and for the freedom of reporting. The broadcaster, which also combines investigative content with programs about democratic values, could become an important instrument in the struggle for freedom of the press and political changes in Russia. The community of the Russian opposition in exile sees the new channel as an opportunity to hear the voices of oppressed.

In a time when censorship in Russia is almost all -encompassing, it remains to be seen how effective the transmitter will be in the distribution of critical information. Nevertheless, the commitment of Nawalnaja and her determination to continue the fight for freedom of the press is an encouraging sign for many who are committed to democracy and human rights.

The presentation of the broadcaster took place on June 3, 2025 in Paris, and Julia Nawalnaja emphasizes the importance of this initiative to inform the people in Russia about the actual events and developments in the country and to give them a voice. Your efforts are another step on the long way to restore freedom and justice in Russia.