A Russian court has issued an arrest order for Catherine Norris Trent, a journalist for France24, accusing her of illegally entering the western Kursk region, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Tuesday.
The charges stem from allegations that Norris Trent entered the Kursk region alongside the Ukrainian military to produce a report. The region has been a flashpoint since August 6, when Ukrainian troops crossed the border and gained control of a portion of Russian territory.
This is not the first time Russia has taken legal action against foreign journalists reporting from conflict zones near its borders. Authorities have launched criminal cases against several Western reporters who have covered events in the Kursk region. These proceedings are being conducted in absentia, meaning the reporters are being charged without being physically present in Russia.
The court’s order signifies that Norris Trent, along with others facing similar accusations, would be arrested if she were to enter Russian territory.
Russia’s actions come amid escalating tensions and increased scrutiny of journalists reporting on the Ukraine conflict. Western media outlets have often faced criticism and restrictions from Moscow, which accuses them of biased reporting.
France24 and Catherine Norris Trent have yet to respond publicly to the charges. This latest development adds to the growing strain between Russia and Western media, further complicating efforts to provide independent coverage of the ongoing conflict.
