Russia initiates criminal probe against CNN journalist for disseminating information within Russia controlled by Ukrainian forces
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN's leading international security correspondent, was invited by the Ukrainian administration and accompanied by their military last week to Sudzha situated in Russia's Kursk region. The purpose was to report on Ukraine's unexpected cross-border infiltration and occupation.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia declared in a press release that they had started and were investigating criminal charges against Paton Walsh and two Ukrainian journalists.
They accused them of illegally crossing Russia's State Border and filming in the vicinity of the Sudzha settlement in the Kursk Region without permission.
CNN released a statement saying, "Throughout this conflict, our team has provided accurate and impartial reporting, covering both the Ukrainian and Russian viewpoints on the war."
"Our team was invited by the Ukrainian government, along with other international journalists, and escorted by the Ukrainian military to observe territory they had recently taken over. This is considered a protected activity according to the rights granted to journalists under the Geneva Convention and international law."
The FSB mentioned that the journalists would be added to an "international wanted list." However, it remained unclear which list the FSB was referring to.
After the incident, there was worldwide outrage over Russia's actions against the journalists. Despite being based in Europe, CNN strongly condemned Russia's actions towards its correspondent in the region.
