The editors of Kommersant published a letter to former employee of the publication Ivan Safronov with words of support. According to the journalist's colleagues, «in another time, in a different situation,» the court would have acquitted him.
As Kommersant employees noted, thanks to Safronov, the publication's notes more than once ended up in the top news. In addition, the journalist found exclusives, thanks to which he received awards for the best material in the issue.
Journalism is not a crime. We demand the release of Ivan Safronov
The publication also emphasized: «The dullest gray day became brighter when you entered the editorial office.» According to Safronov's colleagues, they remember that he was always ready to help, «and every day they remember that they could not help» him.
«Today we all want to tell you — Vanya, you are a real journalist . You are a great professional. You are a very good person. We haven't heard any public evidence of your guilt. And we are sure: in another time, in another situation, you would have been justified. Yes, and such a case initially, perhaps, would not have happened, ”the letter says.
Kommersant journalists ended their letter with the words “We love you, we believe in you. We are waiting for you.”
Yesterday, the Moscow City Court sentenced Ivan Safronov, ex-correspondent of Kommersant and Vedomosti, to 22 years in a strict regime colony in a treason case (Article 275 of the Criminal Code).
Before the announcement of the results, independent publications demanded the release of the journalist. Among them were Mediazona, Meduza, Kholod, Novaya Gazeta. Europe, Novaya Gazeta, The Bell, Important Stories, Layout, Rain, Paper, New Tab, Help Desk, Line, Such Things, Moscow Times and «Project».