Editors sign letter condemning ‘unjust’ arrest of US journalist in Russia

More than three dozen editors of news organisations from across the world have signed a letter condemning the detention of the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

An experienced reporter of Russian affairs, Gershkovich was working in the city of Yekaterinburg when he was detained. The Kremlin claimed he had been spying and had been caught “red-handed”. However, the Wall Street Journal vehemently denied the allegations against him while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also condemned the arrest.

“Gershkovich’s unwarranted and unjust arrest is a significant escalation in your government’s anti-press actions,” says the letter. “Russia is sending the message that journalism within your borders is criminalized and that foreign correspondents seeking to report from Russia do not enjoy the benefits of the rule of law.”

The letter was signed by 38 editors, including Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media which owns the Observer, as well as senior figures at the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the BBC, the Washington Post and other major news organisations and journalism groups.