News/Media Alliance Statement: Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich is Freed

The News/Media Alliance celebrates the news that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been released in a multicountry prisoner swap on August 1st. Mr. Gershkovich was wrongfully held in prison in Russia for over 15 months after being arrested in March of 2023 and then subsequently convicted for charges of espionage, in what the U.S. government called a sham trial. Major news media and press rights organizations, including the Alliance, condemned the wrongful conviction and advocated for his release. In addition to Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and journalists Alsu Kurmasheva and Vladimir Kara-Murza were also freed as part of the prisoner swap.

Alliance President & CEO, Danielle Coffey, stated, "We are thrilled at the news of Evan Gershkovich being released and look forward to his imminent reunion with his family, friends, and colleagues. We are deeply appreciative of President Biden and the administration's tireless efforts to secure his release and their dedication to protecting journalists and the freedom of the press."

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