National Press Club: Russia’s solitary confinement of Evan Gershkovich Is torture

WASHINGTON, April 10 – Following is a statement by Eileen O’Reilly, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, on the announcement by the U.S. Department of State to classify as a wrongful detention the arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich by the Russian government.

“Reporter Evan Gershkovich has now been held in solitary confinement in Moscow for more than two weeks. Evan is reportedly alone in his cell 23 hours a day and allowed out for exercise for one hour every 24 hours, also alone. The United Nations Convention on Torture defines solitary confinement of longer than 15 days as torture. Studies suggest that individuals who are held in solitary confinement for more than 20 days can begin to experience irreversible brain damage. We are deeply concerned for his health.

We call on the Russian government to abide by the treaties it has signed and allow regular consular visits immediately. So far Evan has been denied these visits — a violation of Moscow's treaty obligations and international law. His only contact with others has been during brief visits with his attorney. Evan is not only being wrongfully detained, he is also being tortured through solitary confinement and isolation.

This month, Russia is the rotating president of the U.N. Security Council, a position of significant responsibility. It is time Moscow starts acting the part. The U.N.’s own Convention on Torture makes it clear that Russia is torturing Evan Gershkovich. We call on Russia to release Evan from his unjust detention immediately. The world is watching.”

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 news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. The NPCJI is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for The National Press Club