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CPJ welcomes return of Gershkovich, Kurmasheva
Says Russia must stop stifling journalists
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August 2 - The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) editor Alsu Kurmasheva as part of a prisoner exchange, and called on Russia to release other jailed journalists and stop harassing those in exile.
“Evan and Alsu were detained and sentenced on spurious charges intended to punish them for their journalism and stifle independent reporting,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “Their release is welcome – but it does not change the fact that Russia continues to suppress a free press. Moscow needs to release all jailed journalists and end its harassment of exiled Russian journalists.”
Gershkovich and Kurmasheva were sentenced on July 19 to 16 years and 6½ years in prison respectively. Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen, spent 16 months in detention before being convicted on charges of espionage; Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen, was held for more than nine months before she was convicted on charges of spreading “fake” news about the Russian army.
Separately, CPJ welcomed the release and pardon of journalists Taoufik Bouachrine, Soulimane Raissouni, and Omar Radi in Morocco.