UN 48 countries: Russia must release US journalist detained on espionage charges

Statement ahead of Freedom of the Press Day on the 3rd of next month

On the 17th (local time), 48 member states of the United Nations, including South Korea, issued a joint statement criticizing Russia for detaining a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter on charges of espionage.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield mentioned WSJ journalist Evan Gersikowitch (pictured) and others detained in Russia in a statement released ahead of World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd of next month, saying, “The Russian authorities detained for political reasons. We call for the release of the people and an end to the relentless suppression of freedom of speech.” Ambassador Thomas Greenfield emphasized to the WSJ that day, “Journalism is not a crime.”

The statement was led by the United States, joined by US allies including South Korea and Japan, as well as major European countries. In response, Vasily Nevenza, Russian ambassador to the United Nations, refuted, saying, “Only the court can decide whether he is guilty or not.”

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy said on Twitter on the 17th that she had met Gersikowitch in prison for the first time since her detention. Ambassador Tracy called for his release, saying, “He is healthy and still holding up strong.” White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said it was “clearly appreciated” that Russian authorities granted access to journalist Gersikowitch. I hope,” he said.

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) journalist Evan Gershkovich, arrested in Russia on charges of spying, stands in a glass cage at a Moscow courthouse during an appeals trial demanding his release on Monday. The court dismissed his appeal and ordered his stay in prison. 2023.04.18. [모스크바=AP/뉴시스]

Gershkovych, a reporter from the WSJ’s Moscow office, was arrested on charges of espionage by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Yekaterinburg, Russia on the 30th of last month and was imprisoned in Lefortovo Prison, a former Soviet political prison camp notorious. It is the first time since the end of the Cold War that an American journalist has been arrested for espionage in Russia. If convicted, the punishment could be as heavy as 20 years in prison.

The FSB claimed that “Gersikovic collected classified information about the activities of a Russian military-industrial complex under the direction of the US government.” On the other hand, the WSJ refuted that the reason for Gerskovitch’s arrest was because he wrote an article criticizing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On the 10th, the U.S. government officially defined the case as “unjust detention,” and ordered the State Department to administer the presidential hostage envoy.

Source: Donga

Mark

Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.