Criminal probe ends for TV Rain editor Dzyadko, journalist Ratnikova

Investigators in Moscow have completed criminal investigations against TV Rain editor-in-chief Tikhon Dzyadko and journalist Valeria Ratnikova, according to the Moscow branch of the Russian Investigative Committee.

Their cases have been forwarded to court, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Both Dzyadko and Ratnikova have been placed on the wanted list and are under pretrial arrest in absentia. They face charges under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code, with Dzyadko additionally charged under Article 330.1.

The criminal case against the journalists was opened on July 18.

TV Rain (Dozhd), launched in 2010, is an independent Russian‑language news channel known for airing political news, cultural programming, and critical discussions independent from state media control.

After Russian authorities began blocking and repressing independent reporting following the 2022 full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, TV Rain suspended operations in Russia and relocated its editorial office first to Latvia and later to the Netherlands, continuing mainly online broadcasts.

Tikhon Dzyadko is a Russian journalist and editor‑in‑chief of TV Rain who has led the independent outlet through escalating pressure and state repression, including its forced relocation abroad, and has publicly spoken about resisting Russian censorship and continuing independent coverage despite legal and security risks.

Valeria Ratnikova is a young Russian journalist and news anchor who worked at TV Rain covering politics and social issues; she and other TV Rain staff have been designated “foreign agents” by Russian authorities and face criminal charges and fines for reporting that contradicts official state narratives.

By Jeyhun Aghazada