WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – Representatives of the media and press rights organizations from various countries have called on Russia to release the imprisoned US journalist Evan Gershkovich. “Gershkovich is a journalist, not a spy, and he should be released immediately and unconditionally,” said an open letter published on Friday by the NGO Committee to Protect Journalists and addressed to the Russian ambassador in Washington.
The letter was signed by 38 representatives of renowned international media such as the New York Times, the British BBC, the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Also among the signatories were press freedom organizations like PEN America and the International Press Institute.
A court in Moscow issued an arrest warrant against Gershkovich, who works for the Wall Street Journal, for alleged espionage for the United States. The journalist had also researched Russia’s war against Ukraine. The reporter was initially in custody until May 29, the court said. Born in 1991, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The “Wall Street Journal” rejected the allegations against his employee.
The US government strongly condemned Gershkovich’s detention. “The Russian government’s persecution of American citizens is unacceptable,” the White House said. “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing reports that Evan Gershkovich, an American citizen, has been arrested in Russia.” The US State Department is in direct contact with the Russian government and is actively seeking to grant Gershkovich consular access./htg/DP/nas