High-Stakes Drama Unfolds: Detention of US Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva Prolonged by Russian Court
Russian court extends detention of US journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until December 5 for alleged failure to register as a foreign agent, as reported by her employer
The employer reports that a US-Russian journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva, has been ordered by a Russian court to be detained until December 5 due to her failure to register as a foreign agent. Kurmasheva is affiliated with the Tatar-Bashkir service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and operates from Prague, Czech Republic.
Kurmasheva was detained by her employer in the city of Kazan, Russia on June 2 while awaiting her return flight to the Czech Republic. She had travelled to Russia on May 20 for an urgent family matter, as reported by RFE/RL, a US-funded news organization.
Initially, both of Kurmasheva's passports were confiscated by Kazan airport employees, and she was subsequently fined for not registering her American passport with the Russian authorities. While awaiting the return of her passports, new charges were announced on October 18. RFE/RL stated that she was accused of refusing to register as a foreign agent.
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Kurmasheva's lawyer, Edgar Matevosyan, stated to independent Russian media outlet SOTA Vision that she denies any wrongdoing and intends to lodge an appeal. The exact date for her next court appearance remains uncertain, according to Matevosyan. Furthermore, Kurmasheva has been fined for her failure to inform Russian authorities about her dual citizenship.
In 2022, Russia expanded its law on "foreign agents" as a result of its invasion of Ukraine. This expansion represents a heightened crackdown on freedom of speech and opposition, particularly under President Vladimir Putin. The definition of foreign agents now includes not only individuals or organizations receiving foreign funding but also those who have received support or are under foreign influence.
Kurmasheva, an esteemed journalist, focuses on the lives of ethnic minorities in Russia's Tatarstan and Bashkortostan regions. Her reporting centers around initiatives that aim to protect and preserve the Tatar language and culture in the face of increasing pressure from the Russian authorities, according to RFE/RL.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was apprehended in Russia in March during a business trip and accused of espionage, claims that he and his employer adamantly refuted. Recently, a Moscow court rejected his appeal for release before the trial. If found guilty, he could potentially be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
