Results for: Press Freedom

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s appeal to end his pretrial detention has been rejected by a Moscow court, keeping him behind bars until at least late June. Gershkovich, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen, was detained on espionage charges in March 2023 while on a reporting trip. His arrest and the lack of detailed evidence have raised concerns among journalists in Russia about the suppression of press freedom. The U.S. government considers Gershkovich’s detention to be wrongful and has made a significant offer for his release, which Russia has rejected. The case has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia, with analysts suggesting Gershkovich may be used as a bargaining chip in exchange for imprisoned Russians in the U.S.

Despite an appeal to end his pretrial detention, journalist Evan Gershkovich will remain in custody in Russia until late June on espionage charges. The 32-year-old was detained in March 2022 while reporting in Russia and has been wrongfully detained since. The international community, including the U.S. government and press freedom groups, has condemned his apprehension. The Wall Street Journal, where Gershkovich is an employee, has highlighted his plight, with the editor-in-chief urging his release. President Biden has also spoken out against Gershkovich’s detention, calling it ‘wholly unjust and illegal.’ The journalist remains steadfast and hopeful, despite his situation.

The ABC’s lead India correspondent, Avani Dias, was forced to return to Australia after the Modi government withheld her visa and subjected her to intimidation. The decision came after the airing of a ‘Foreign Correspondent’ episode on Sikh separatism and before the release of her podcast investigating Modi’s life. The Modi administration’s actions have raised concerns about the suppression of dissent and media freedom in India.

The National Press Club will host a briefing on the status of imprisoned U.S. journalists, including Austin Tice and Evan Gershkovich. The event will feature speakers from the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, National Press Club, and others. It will be livestreamed on the NPC YouTube channel.