# Russian journalists sentenced for treason

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-journalists-sentenced-for-treason
> Updated: 2026-08-12T13:49:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Russian authorities have issued significant prison sentences to journalists on treason charges. 

In one case, Moscow court sentenced journalist Daria Shipacheva to 12 years in a semi-open penal colony following a closed-door trial. Prosecutors alleged the charge was linked to a money transfer to a relative in Ukraine. Shipacheva, who reported for outlets including Forbes Russia and RBC, had been in custody since April 2025.

Separately, Vasilisa Shishkina, an editor for the Buryatia-based outlet Nomer Odin, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Her conviction followed reports of her professional work regarding rights violations involving mobilized men. Legal representatives suggested the prosecution might involve her publishing content for a media outlet designated as ‘undesirable’ in Russia. Shishkina had been in custody since July 2025.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has noted these cases amid broader concerns regarding the repression of independent media in Russia.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Journalist Vasilisa Shishkina sentenced to 12 years in Russia

Russian journalist Vasilisa Shishkina has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on treason charges following a closed-door trial in Buryatia.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/journalist-vasilisa-shishkina-sentenced-to-12-years-in-russia

### 2026-07-29: Russian journalist Daria Shipacheva sentenced to 12 years for treason

Moscow court sentenced journalist Daria Shipacheva to 12 years for treason over a money transfer to Ukraine; she pleaded guilty, was fined 300,000 rubles, and the closed‑door trial sparked press‑freedom concern

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-journalist-daria-shipaevova-sentenced-to-12-years-for-treason

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Cite as: Russian journalists sentenced for treason. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-journalists-sentenced-for-treason