RFE/RL Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva Honored with President’s Award from the National Press Club
WASHINGTON, May 3 – The following is a statement by National Press Club President Emily Wilkins on the 2024 recipient of the President’s Award to be presented at the National Press Club Awards Dinner on August 28.
“This year the President’s Award at the National Press Club will help call attention to the wrongful detention of RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva who has been detained in Russia since October 2023.
“Alsu is many things - an editor, reporter, wife and mother. There is one thing she is not - a criminal. Journalism is not a crime and I hope this recognition leads not only to our government labeling Alsu wrongfully detained but to her freedom.
“It is my sincere hope that Alsu can join us at the Press Club to accept this award this Summer along with her husband Pavel and her daughters Bibi and Miriam who have tirelessly worked and advocated for their wife and mother.”
Wilkins spoke with Kurmasheva’s husband Pavel Butorin at the National Press Club this week to share the news. A video of their exchange can be found below.
About The National Press Club Awards Dinner
The awards dinner will be held at the National Press Club on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The event will start at 6 p.m. on with a reception in the Holeman Lounge, followed at 7 p.m. with dinner and program in the ballroom. Tickets to the awards dinner are $75 for the general public, $65 for members of the National Press Club and can be purchased online. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected].
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.
Contact: Kate Helster, National Press Club, [email protected], 202-662-7525