The Wall Street Journal on Friday condemned Russia’s sentencing of its reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in a penal colony, promising to continue to push for his release. Gershkovich, who pleaded not guilty, became the first journalist in Russia to be charged with spying since the Cold War. “We will continue to do everything possible to press for Evan’s release and to support his family,” Latour and Tucker said. “Journalism is not a crime, and we will not rest until he’s released.”The Committee to Protect Journalists advocacy group condemned Gershkovich’s jailing as well. “Russia’s decision to jail Evan Gershkovich for 16 years on sham charges is outrageous,” CPJ program director Carlos Martinez de la Serna said.

Source: Wall Street Journal July 20, 2024 16:27 UTC