Russian Journalist Ivan Safronov, Sentenced to 22 Years, Undergoes Heart Surgery

Political Prisoner and Fake News Convict Suffers Health Issues

Ivan Safronov, a Russian journalist and political prisoner, recently underwent heart surgery, according to the independent Russian news outlet OVD-Info. Safronov was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2022 on charges of treason for allegedly passing military secrets to the Czech Republic. Many observers believe the charges were politically motivated and that Safronov was targeted for his critical reporting on Russia's military and foreign policy.

In a statement, OVD-Info said that Safronov had been experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath for several months. He was transferred to a hospital in Moscow on February 27, where he underwent surgery the following day. The outlet said Safronov's condition was stable but that he would remain in the hospital for further observation.

Safronov's arrest and imprisonment have been widely condemned by human rights groups and international organizations. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called Safronov's sentence "a travesty of justice" and said it was "part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in Russia."

The European Union has also condemned Safronov's imprisonment, and in January 2023, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for his immediate release. The resolution said that Safronov was "a victim of political persecution" and that his imprisonment was "a violation of his fundamental rights."

Safronov's heart surgery is the latest in a series of health problems he has experienced since his imprisonment. In 2022, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and he has also suffered from back pain and headaches.

Safronov's supporters have expressed concern about his health and have called for his release on humanitarian grounds. They have also urged the Russian government to provide Safronov with adequate medical care.

The Russian government has denied that Safronov is a political prisoner and has said that he is being treated fairly in prison. However, Safronov's supporters have pointed out that he has been denied access to adequate medical care and that he has been subjected to torture and ill-treatment.