The Society of Editors has described the decision by a Russian court to convict and sentence American journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years imprisonment for espionage as “appalling”.
The verdict, which was handed down on Friday 19 July, comes after a closed-door trial that included three hearings and comes nearly 16 months after the Wall Street Journal reporter was arrested, amid widespread criticism, in Russia on 23 March 2023. Sentencing him on Friday to 16 years in a high-security penal colony, Gershkovich’s conviction marks the first time a US journalist has been convicted of espionage in Russia since the Cold War ended more than 30 years ago.
As with his arrest and detention, the decision by Russia to convict the American journalist has been widely condemned with criticism from the US government, Western politicians and worldwide press freedom organisations.
Responding to the sentencing, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society said: “The sentencing of Evan Gershkovich to 16 years imprisonment on trumped-up espionage charges is appalling and shows not only the contempt with which Russia treats journalists and freedom of the press but also open justice and a fair trial.
“Journalism is not a crime, and no journalist should ever be arrested or face losing their liberty simply for doing their job. We urge the Russian government to overturn this outrageous conviction and ensure Gershkovich’s immediate release.”
Following the verdict, Western politicians have been quick to condemn the conviction, with US President Joe Biden saying that Gershkovich had “committed no crime” and was “targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American”.
Responding on Friday, Wall Street Journal publisher Almar Latour and Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker also called for his immediate release.
They said: “This disgraceful, sham conviction comes after Evan has spent 478 days in prison, wrongfully detained, away from his family and friends, prevented from reporting, all for doing his job as a journalist.”
“We will continue to do everything possible to press for Evan’s release and to support his family.
“Journalism is not a crime, and we will not rest until he’s released. This must end now.”
