In a concerning development, a Russian court has ordered the detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, until December 5. The court claims she failed to register as a “foreign agent.” Kurmasheva, residing in Prague, faces up to five years in jail if found guilty. This follows the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich earlier this year on espionage charges. RFE/RL, deeply disappointed by the court’s decision, is calling for her immediate release, while the US State Department expresses deep concern and requests consular access.
Harassment of US Citizens
The detention of Kurmasheva is viewed by the US as another instance of Russian government harassment against its citizens.
Kremlin denies persecution, asserting measures are taken against those breaking the law. Kurmasheva, the editor of RFE/RL’s Tatar-Bashkir service, resides in Prague with her family.
Last year, she edited a book opposing Moscow’s assault on Ukraine, and the new charges were announced while awaiting the return of her confiscated passports.
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Relentless Crackdown on Media
Russia’s use of the “foreign agent” label intensifies a decade-long crackdown on independent media. Journalists labeled as such must register, submit financial reports, and attach a disclaimer to their content. Kurmasheva’s case, labeled a “relentless crackdown” by rights groups, marks an alarming escalation in targeting journalists for their professional activities.
Amnesty International’s Marie Struthers calls Kurmasheva’s persecution an example of the relentless crackdown on journalism and freedom of expression, highlighting the unprecedented use of charges directly targeting a journalist for their professional activities.
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