Journalist Ponomarenko was detained in April 2022 for publishing information on an airstrike in Ukraine. Granted house arrest in November, she returned to detention in January 2023 after an assault by her ex-husband. In February, she was sentenced to 6 years for spreading “false information.” She endured beatings in prison and was briefly held in a psychiatric clinic in March. In October 2023, a second case was opened for allegedly assaulting prison staff. In March 2025, she reportedly slit her wrists in prison and was later sentenced to 1 year and 10 months on the new charge.
Maria Ponomarenko
Is case active: Yes
Country:Russia
Region:Europe and Central Asia
Gender:Female
Status:Imprisoned