Journalist and blogger Alexandra Bayazitova, convicted of extortion
Journalist and blogger Alexandra Bayazitova, convicted of extortion, was released from a prison in the Vladimir region. The Telegram channel 'Post' reported on her release.
Consensus
- Alexandra Bayazitova was released from a correctional colony in Vladimir Oblasti after serving her full sentence.
- She was sentenced to five years in prison in November 2023 for extortion related to the 'Adskie babki' Telegram channel.
- The case involved allegations that she and others demanded money from top managers of Promsvyazbank to avoid publishing negative content.
- Bayazitova did not admit guilt, claiming her prosecution was retaliation for a story about corruption at Promsvyazbank.
- She had health issues including diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, and was responsible for caring for an elderly mother.
- The sentence included time spent in pre-trial detention (SIZO), which is counted as 1.5 days per day served in prison.
- A court initially reduced her remaining sentence to forced labor in September 2025, but the decision was overturned on appeal by prosecutors.
Points of divergence
- Bayazitova served four years of her sentence before being released. — tg_sibrealii
- Bayazitova was sentenced to five years and served the full term, but the release occurred after four years due to time in SIZO; however, this is inconsistent with other sources stating she fully served her sentence. — tg_severrealii
- The prison warden was described as extremely harsh, and Bayazitova lost contact with family during the last months before release. — tg_theinsider
- A court in September 2025 initially replaced her remaining sentence with forced labor (10 months and 18 days), but this was overturned by an appellate court in October, restoring the original prison term. — kommersant
Coverage (11 sources)
- Author of the 'Hellish Babs' blog, journalist Alexandra Bayazitova, released from prison — The Insider
- Author of the blog 'Hellish Babs', journalist Alexandra Bayazitova, has been released — Дождь
- Journalist and blogger Alexandra Bayazitova, sentenced on extortion charges, released from prison — ЭХО / Новости
- Journalist Bayazitova Released from Prison — Коммерсантъ
- 'MK': Journalist Alexandra Bayazitova Released — Вести
- Journalist Alexandra Bayazitova Released After Being Convicted on 'Extortion' Charges — Сибирь.Реалии
- Journalist Alexandra Bayazitova Released After Being Convicted on 'Extortion' Charges — Север.Реалии
- Author of the 'Hellish Babs' blog and journalist Alexandra Bayazitova has been released — Дождь (Telegram)
- Journalist Alexandra Bayazitova Released from Prison in Vladimir Region — Вечерняя Москва
- Journalist Alexandra Bayazitova released after five years in prison. Relatives and friends greeted her at the Vladimir region colony... — Baza
- Journalist Alexandra Bayazitova Released from Vladimir Region Prison — Mash
Key entities
- Alexandra Bayazitova
- Vladimir Oblast
- IK-1
- Promsvyazbank
- Alexandr Ushakov
- Olga Arkharova
- Telegram channel
- MK
- RusNews
- Post-
- Moscow
- Pre-trial detention center