WASHINGTON — The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation announced today that Alsu Kurmasheva, an award-winning journalist and editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), has joined its Board of Directors.
In October 2023, Kurmasheva—a dual U.S. and Russian citizen—was detained in Russia and held for more than nine months before being sentenced to six and a half years in prison. She faced politically motivated charges of spreading false information about the Russian military, linked to her alleged role in editing and distributing a book featuring accounts from Russians opposed to the invasion of Ukraine. She was released in August 2024 as part of a prisoner exchange that also secured the return of American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian political activist and opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza.
Since her release, Kurmasheva has emerged as a vocal advocate for press freedom, drawing on her experience of imprisonment to highlight the risks journalists face from repressive regimes.
“Having dealt first-hand with the dangers journalists confront in countries lacking strong democratic institutions, Alsu brings an important and valuable perspective to the Foley board,” said Diane Foley, Founder and President of the Foundation. “Her experience is becoming all too common as journalists venture into increasingly autocratic—and dangerous—parts of the world to keep Americans informed.”
Kurmasheva said, “It’s an honor to serve on the Foley Foundation board. My experiences have underscored the challenges journalists face in authoritarian regions, and I am committed to using that perspective to strengthen our efforts in supporting those who risk their lives to inform the public.”
Kurmasheva also serves on the Advisory Board of the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation was established within weeks of his death. Inspired by the moral courage of James Foley, the foundation advocates for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promotes journalist safety.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the foundation’s work may be made here.