In 2024, 25,683 cases were reviewed in Russia in a closed manner, meaning without the participation of the press and listeners. This is twice as many as in 2015, when 12,226 cases were reviewed in the same manner, according to the channel "Sever. Realities"*, which analyzed data from the Supreme Court.
By law, a process can be closed to listeners and the media in four cases: if state secrets may be disclosed, if the case involves a person under 16 years old, if it concerns sexualized crimes, or if the participants in the trial, their close ones, and relatives are in danger. For example, in the case of journalists involved in an "extremist" community for cooperating with FBK**, the process was closed due to "possible threats to witnesses," and a guard was assigned to the judge. On the same grounds, the process was closed in the case of Zhenya Berkovich*** and Svetlana Petriychuk***, who were accused of "justifying terrorism" for the play "Finist the Bright Falcon."
In 2021 and 2022, the number of closed courts was approximately the same — 25,530 and 25,604 respectively.
The increase in the number of closed processes began in 2019. At that time, 15,673 cases were closed to the public, although in the previous four years this figure did not exceed 12-13 thousand cases.
Closed court cases also occur with the participation of juries. However, the share of such courts is very small — since 2021, they account for no more than 1.37% of the total number. But their share has gradually increased since 2015 — from 0.3%.
* Recognized in Russia as a "foreign agent" and "undesirable" organization.
** Recognized in Russia as an "extremist" organization.
*** Included in the list of "terrorists and extremists."