Maria Ponomarenko, a journalist who has faced incarceration due to her outspoken views on the Russian military, has reportedly attempted suicide by cutting her veins. This grim turn of events took place on March 17, 2025, at IK-6 prison located in the village of Shipunovo, Altai Territory, where she has been serving a six-year sentence for spreading 'fakes' about the army. According to information obtained from her lawyer, Ponomarenko has been subjected to constant abuse from the prison administration, which she claims has driven her to this desperate act.
Ponomarenko's attorney, Dmitry Shytov, highlighted her plight during the last court session when she showed him the scar on her arm, indicative of her attempt to cut her veins. The nature of her distress has gained attention, with reports indicating she is currently on a dry hunger strike, which signifies her state of despair and signals her urgent need for help. "I was forced to cut my veins because of constant abuse from the administration," she reportedly expressed to her lawyer, as cited by OVD-Info.
RusNews has been closely following Ponomarenko’s situation, releasing two distressing letters from the journalist, wherein she details her dire condition and explicitly asks for assistance. One letter conveys her overwhelming feeling of helplessness, stating, "I have no strength and ask for help: 'There’s no one to talk to here; the censorship won't let me express what I feel.'" Her words paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll of her imprisonment.
Maria Ponomarenko was sentenced to six years behind bars following her post on social media about the Russian military's bombing of the drama theater in Mariupol. This incident has been labeled as spreading misinformation or 'fakes' about the military. Following her sentencing, new charges were brought against her related to alleged assaults on prison staff. This development adds to the complexity of her legal battles and raises questions about her treatment during incarceration. Ponomarenko reportedly denies these accusations, asserting she has never assaulted anyone.
Attention to her case has spiked, especially as details of alleged mistreatment by prison officials emerge. It is reported she was recently sent to solitary confinement for thirty days—an experience seen by many as punitive and harmful, particularly for someone already vulnerable. Advocacy groups have been quick to respond; Shytov has filed complaints with local government officials and human rights advocates concerning Ponomarenko’s well-being, especially citing her potential for suicide.
Her mother received disconcerting phone calls from Maria at the end of February 2025, where she expressed regret and indirectly referenced suicidal thoughts, stating, "I'm sorry for everything." Such statements have alarmed family and supporters, who fear for her safety and mental health inside the penal institution.
Currently, Maria Ponomarenko’s case not only brings to light the struggles journalists face under authoritarian rule but also compels observers to confront the consequences of censorship and the suppression of free speech. Her upcoming court appearance on March 24, 2025, will set the stage for her to convey her experiences and the injustices she claims to have endured during her time behind bars. She plans to discuss the alleged coercion by prison staff who have, according to her representations, contributed to her suicidal ideations and overall distress.
The societal ramifications of such cases are broad, as they invoke discussions about human rights, press freedom, and the psychological impacts of incarceration. The public and media await developments with trepidation, hoping for justice and improvement for Ponomarenko and others like her.
With the backdrop of war and unrest, the situation encapsulates the tension between governmental control and individual rights. Maria Ponomarenko's story, alongside her literary contributions to discussions on war, truth, and survival, exemplifies the struggle for justice against oppressive systems.
