24/04/2020 (Agence Europe) – The spokesperson for the European External Action Service on 24 April called on the Russian authorities to condemn and investigate threats made by the Chechen government authorities against journalist Elena Milashina, and to ensure her safety. The spokesperson also called for a full investigation into the attack on her and lawyer Marina Dubrovina on 6 February, in order to bring those responsible to justice. The spokesperson added that freedom of the media had to be respected and that the charges against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva, "accused of justifying terrorism for her critical remarks about the Russian authorities", had to be dropped. "The EU condemns unequivocally all threats, verbal attacks or violence against journalists in pursuit of their work" the spokesperson stressed, calling on Russia to ensure a safe environment for journalists without fear of reprisal. (CG)