Marina Ovsyannikova becomes the correspondent of “Welt”.

She became known to German audiences through a live protest against the Ukraine war on Russian television. The journalist, who is being tried in Russia for this reason, will also work for Axel Springer Verlag in the future.

The journalist Marina Owsjannikova, who became known through her protest action on Russian television, is now reporting as a freelance correspondent for “Welt”. Axel Springer Verlag announced on Monday in Berlin that Owsjannikova will both write for the newspaper and be regularly connected to the Welt news channel. She will report from Ukraine and Russia, among others.

43-year-old Ovsyannikova appeared behind the anchorwoman on March 14 during the Pervy Kanal news program “Vremja”. Ovzyannikova, who herself worked as an editor for the station, held up a sign that read “Stop the war. Don’t believe the propaganda. You’re being lied to here” to the camera. She also shouted “Stop the war!” before the live broadcast ended.

Ovsyannikova faces a second conviction in Moscow

The former employee of Channel One is currently being tried in a Moscow district court for her protest action (read more here). In mid-March, Ovsyannikova had already been sentenced to a fine of 30,000 rubles (226 euros) in Moscow. It was initially feared that she could face a much harsher punishment. The 43-year-old is still in Russia.

Ovzyannikova explained that the “world” stands for “what is being defended so vehemently in Ukraine by the courageous local people: for freedom”. The journalist added: “I see it as my duty as a journalist to stand up for this freedom. I am particularly pleased to be able to do this for ‘Welt’.”