Amnesty International and other human rights groups globally are urgently calling for the release and protection of Maria Ponomarenko, a journalist and anti-war activist imprisoned in Russia, after two letters from her revealed severe mental distress and suicidal tendencies. The letters, obtained by Russian media outlet RusNews, show Ponomarenko’s escalating suffering in prison, where she has reportedly asked for help and expressed self-harm tendencies.
The Russian authorities have reportedly censored these letters, and the journalist’s mental state has worsened significantly. During a phone call with her daughter, Ponomarenko also displayed suicidal tendencies. Her lawyer has since appealed to the Prosecutor’s Office, citing physical scars on her arms and concerns over her deteriorating health.
Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director, has emphasized that Russian authorities are responsible for Ponomarenko’s well-being and called for those responsible for violations against her to be held accountable. Zviagina also condemned the journalist’s imprisonment, urging the release of all individuals detained under repressive “war censorship” laws.
Ponomarenko was sentenced to six years in prison for her anti-war stance following a post on Telegram that condemned Russian airstrikes in Mariupol in 2022, which Amnesty and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights consider a potential war crime. In addition to her imprisonment, she faces a five-year ban on journalistic activities.
In November 2023, new charges were brought against her, alleging an assault on two male penal colony officers—an accusation that Amnesty International described as retaliation for her political views. The “Support of Political Prisoners. Memorial” human rights group has also listed her as a political prisoner.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia recently warned that the lives of over 2,000 political prisoners in Russia are at risk, urging immediate releases, with Ponomarenko among those considered in imminent danger.
As her trial nears its conclusion on March 24, human rights advocates continue to press for her release and protection from further harm.
Jailed Russian journalist Maria Ponomarenko Picture
