Renowned Editor Irina Slavina Dies by Suicide After Pressure from Authorities
Irina Slavina, the renowned editor of KozaPress, has tragically passed away. The 47-year-old journalist, known for her courageous coverage of local issues, took her own life on October 2, setting herself on fire outside a government building in Nizhny Novgorod. Her death has sent shockwaves through the region and beyond, with many calling for an investigation into the potential role of law enforcement in her tragic demise.
Slavina's website, KozaPress, was a beacon of independent journalism in the Nizhny Novgorod region. By 2019, it was the second most-cited media outlet, a testament to her impact and influence. Her work included exposing the targeting of migrants by security services and debunking fabricated 'Islamic State' plots. However, her fearless reporting came at a personal cost.
In recent months, Slavina faced intense pressure from security services and the authorities. On October 1, her home was searched as part of an investigation into the Open Russia movement. Law enforcement broke down her door and seized her computer equipment. This, coupled with the constant contact and persecution, proved too much for the sensitive journalist. Stanislav Dmitrievsky, a rights defender, described her as a person deeply affected by the horrors she encountered in her work.
Political figures have spoken out about Slavina's death. Nikolay Rybakov, chairman of Yabloko, believes she couldn't withstand the pressure. Alexey Sadomovsky, deputy head of the regional Yabloko party, agrees, stating that the pressure from the court, the house search, and the constant contact led her to take her own life. In her last Facebook post, Slavina wrote, 'I ask you to blame the Russian Federation for my death.' Arkady Galker, chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of Memorial, feels guilty for not providing more support and sees her death as an act of state terror.
Irina Slavina's death has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Her bravery in exposing the truth, despite the immense pressure she faced, has left a lasting impact. While the investigation into her death continues, one thing is clear: her fearless journalism has shone a light on the darker aspects of Russian society, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who fight for truth and justice.
