The Society of Editors has condemned a decision by Russia to issue an arrest warrant for The Sun’s Defence Editor Jerome Starkey describing the warrant as “ridiculous” and highlighting the “absolute necessity” of a free press during times of conflict.
It was reported today (Thursday 30 January 2025) that a court in Russia’s Kursk region had issued an arrest warrant for Starkey and put him on its international most wanted list having accused him of illegally crossing the border into Russia. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) had petitioned the court saying that a British citizen had entered Russia from Ukraine to film a report in August 2024.
Responding to the warrant, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society of Editors said: “The issuing of an arrest warrant by Russia for The Sun’s Defence Editor Jerome Starkey is ridiculous and highlights the absolute necessity of a free press during times of conflict and the ability of reporters to hold power to account without fear or favour.
“Starkey’s reporting from Ukraine has shone a light on the ongoing conflict on behalf of audiences worldwide and this act by Russia should be condemned as yet another attempt to threaten and intimidate a free press.”
The warrant has also been condemned by Number 10 with the PM’s spokesman describing it as “desperate rhetoric”.
The PM’s spokesman said: “It’s just another example of desperate rhetoric from Putin’s government, of course we condemn it.
“Across the world, British journalists are trying to lighten some of the darkest corners of the world and covering atrocities.
“Jerome Starkey’s award winning reporting from inside Ukraine, exposing the details of Russia’s illegal war for millions of readers, is no different.
“And if the Kremlin cannot withstand a British newspaper highlighting Ukraine’s great defence for its freedom, then frankly, Putin should roll back his tanks, withdraw his forces, and end the suffering Ukrainian and Russian people.
“We’ll always stand with Ukraine and will always stand by our free and fearless press.”
