Concerns Regarding the Detention of Journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation is deeply concerned about the arrest and detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich by the FSB in Yekaterinburg, Russia, and calls on the Russian government to swiftly release Mr. Gershkovich and other Americans being unjustly detained in Russia. The Wall Street Journal has “vehemently denie[d] the allegations from the FSB.”

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich

“Evan’s arrest and unjust detention on false charges of espionage is a direct threat to media freedom in Russia and beyond,” said James W. Foley Legacy Foundation Founder and President Diane Foley. “Actions like these are de facto criminalization of the very practice of journalism in Russia. Evan should be immediately released and permitted to return home to his family.”

Currently there are at least four U.S. nationals unjustly held in Russia, including Paul Whelan, who has been wrongfully detained in Russia for 1553 days, or over four years.