Contrary to official claims, Kurmasheva‘s arrest appears to be part of the Kremlin’s broader crackdown on independent journalism, adding to the disturbing trend of Moscow targeting and punishing foreign media.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling attention to the unjust detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen apprehended in Kazan on October 18th for alleged failure to register as a foreign agent
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is actively urging the U.S. Department of State to officially designate Kurmasheva as “wrongfully detained.” The organization has collaborated with civil society groups in submitting a letter to Secretary Blinken, outlining the case for Kurmasheva’s wrongful detention.
Additionally, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has provided guidance to members of Congress who are drafting their own letter to Secretary Blinken seeking this designation. The situation draws a sharp contrast with the swift response of the State Department in designating Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich as wrongfully detained just two weeks after his arrest in March 2023.
Kurmasheva and Gershkovich represent the first instances of American journalists being arrested in Russia since the end of the Cold War
Despite the previous expeditious handling of Gershkovich‘s case, the U.S. government’s response to Kurmasheva’s detention has been notably different, raising questions within the press freedom community. The Biden Administration’s priorities in securing the release of jailed American journalists are being scrutinized as the government has not provided a clear explanation for this disparity. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) continues to highlight Kurmasheva’s case, emphasizing the urgency of addressing violations against press freedom in Russia.
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