Press Club Statement on Russia’s Detention of U.S. Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 — Following is a statement by Emily Wilkins, President of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, President of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, on a Russian court’s extension of the detention of U.S. journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.
“Alsu Kurmasheva is an American by choice. She chose to become a U.S. citizen because of the freedoms that come with that citizenship. Now her already cruel detention has been extended an additional two months.
“Now, in her moment of need, Americans must rally to her cause — not least among them should be the U.S. Government, which continues to be silent about the fact that Alsu is wrongfully detained. Russia’s false charges against Alsu stand unopposed more than 100 days after she was taken. We expect more from the U.S.
“We call on the State Department to take action today to support Alsu by formally acknowledging she is wrongfully detained. She, her family, and the journalism profession have waited too long for this needed designation. She is an American and a journalist. She should be supported. She should be freed.”
About the National Press Club
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world.
About the National Press Club Journalism Institute
The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.
Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club