Russian Journalist Loses Custody of Daughter After Protesting War on Live TV

Marina Ovsyannikova, the journalist who disrupted a live broadcast on Russian state TV during the Ukraine war with a sign protesting against war, has revealed to CNN that a Moscow court has deprived her of her parental custody rights on the grounds of "political reasons."

"I am completely taken aback and appalled by the ruling of this court," Ovsyannikova expressed to CNN on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Ovsyannikova revealed to CNNs Erin Burnett that her own family members, including her mother and son, testified against her in court in Russia. "I was truly shocked when they testified against me," she expressed at that moment.

As reported by state news agency RIA Novosti, Ovsyannikovas former spouse, Igor, initiated the legal proceedings, leading to her loss of custody for both of their children: an 11-year-old daughter residing with her in Paris and a 17-year-old son who remains in Russia.

Ovsyannikova catapulted to global recognition in March 2022 when, in her capacity as an editor at Channel One, she boldly positioned herself behind an anchor and displayed a sign bearing the words "No War" during a live broadcast.

Consequently, Channel One terminated her employment, and a Moscow court handed down a verdict of 8.5 years in prison, in absentia, on charges of disseminating "fake news" regarding the Russian army.

Ovsyannikova was convicted of "knowingly spreading false information about the use of the Russian Armed Forces," according to a statement from Moscow's district court press service.

In an interview with Burnett, Ovsyannikova referred to the verdict as "unfair justice" and bravely escaped Russia with her daughter on September 30 of last year.

Ovsyannikova expressed her hope that France, where she has been granted political asylum, would not surrender her daughter to Russian authorities in light of the recent court's custody ruling. "The Russian authorities may demand the repatriation of my child to Russia, but I am hopeful that France will refuse, considering my child, like myself, has been granted political asylum here," she explained in an interview with CNN.

Ovsyannikova expressed her lack of faith in the Russian judicial system, stating, "I no longer hold any illusions about Russian jurisdiction. The Kremlin maintains control over all courts in Russia."

According to her employer, a Russian court recently detained US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until December 5 for her failure to register as a foreign agent.

Kurmasheva is employed by the Tatar-Bashkir service Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and is based in Prague, Czech Republic.