Berlin, August 12, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Russian authorities to swiftly clarify the circumstances surrounding the prosecution of journalist Vasilisa Shishkina on treason charges and her subsequent sentencing in May to 12 years in prison amid reports that she was targeted because of her work. Journalist Vasilisa Shishkina, who has been jailed for 12 years. “Russian authorities should immediately explain why Vasilisa Shishkina was prosecuted and sentenced and, more broadly, stop using politically motivated charges to silence the press.” Shishkina received the minimum sentence for the offense of treason. CPJ emailed the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Buryatia for a comment but did not receive a reply.