FSB opens case against Italian journalists filming in Sudzha

This was reported by DW, citing the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation.

The Russian foreign ministry complained that the Italian reporters had illegally crossed the border and filmed in Sudzha, Kursk region.

The FSB opened a criminal case against them under Part 3 of Article 322 of the Russian Criminal Code - ‘crossing the state border of the Russian Federation without valid documents for the right of entry’ committed by a ‘group of persons’. The journalists face up to 5 years in prison.

Additionally, the FSB noted that a legal review is currently underway concerning foreign correspondent Nick Peyton Walsh, 'based on the results of which a procedural decision will be made.'

On Saturday, August 17, the Italian state broadcaster RAI reported that two Italian journalists against whom Russia had opened a criminal case would return to Italy, Reuters reports. 

‘The company decided to make journalist Stefania Battistini and cameraman Simone Traini return temporarily to Italy, solely to ensure personal safety and security,’ RAI said.

Both reporters are due to fly back to the northern Italian city of Milan on Sunday.

• On August 16, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Italian Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni over the coverage of the Ukrainian offensive in the town of Sudzha, Kursk region, by journalists of the Italian state broadcaster RAI.