In memoriam - Victoria Roshchyna

Women in Journalism are shocked at the news that Victoria Roshchyna, profiled as part of our Women Under Threat series, has died while in detention in Russia. Victoria was a freelance journalist reporting on the war in Ukraine. In the piece, published two years ago, she spoke of her determination as a journalist to be a voice for the people in Ukraine living under occupation, and who felt abandoned, and alone. 'We are losing our territories, and I wanted to record these crimes,’she said, her resolve clear. She was 27 years old at the time of her death.

The idea behind the series was to profile inspiring women journalists who, away from the spotlight, were reporting on issues, and in parts of the world, at significant personal risk. The women featured in our series are remarkable for their bravery, steadfastness, and commitment to journalism. It’s a project we could not have undertaken without the RSF, whose help was crucial in identifying the women we profiled and in ensuring that, in doing so, we would not put them at further risk. Victoria Roshchyna personified all that we were trying to do. She stands as a symbol of courage and resilience. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to Victoria’s family, her friends, and colleagues around the world. We at Women In Journalism add our voices to calls for her death to be investigated.

According to the RSF, Russia is currently holding 19 journalists in detention. It is vital that we all support their work. 

Read Elena Vardon’s article from our Journalists under threat series here