Russian court prolongs detention of US-Russian journalist for Radio Liberty
The Russian court has decided to prolong the detention of US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, as reported by the Russian state news agency TASS during the courtroom session on Monday.
A Russian court has decided to further detain Alsu Kurmasheva, a US-Russian journalist, as reported by Russian state news agency TASS from the courtroom on Monday. Kurmasheva, who serves as the editor for the Tatar-Bashkir service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), will remain in detention until June 5 for not registering as a foreign agent, according to TASS.
She told journalists on Monday that she is not feeling well physically and the conditions she is in make it impossible for her to take care of her health, as reported by TASS.
She also mentioned that the cell she is in is only 5 square meters (about 54 square feet) for two people, there is no hot water, and instead of a toilet, there is a hole in the floor. She added that there is not even half a meter (1.6 feet) of floor space to walk on.
Kurmasheva, who works for a US-funded media outlet, was detained in June 2023 in Kazan, Russia while waiting for a flight back to the Czech Republic, where she lived. She had traveled to Russia in May for a family emergency.
Initially, her passports were taken by airport staff in Kazan and she was later fined for not registering her American passport with Russian authorities, as reported by RFE/RL. While waiting for her passports to be returned, new charges were brought against her in October for allegedly not registering as a foreign agent.
FILE - Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is escorted from court after a hearing in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Arrests of Americans in Russia have become increasingly common as relations between Moscow and Washington sink to Cold War lows. Some have been exchanged for Russians held in the U.S., while for others, the prospects of being released in a swap are less clear. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
Americans have been getting arrested in Russia more often as tensions between Moscow and Washington worsen. Some have been traded for Russians held in the U.S., but for others, it's uncertain if they will be released in a swap. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was seen leaving court after a hearing in Moscow on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
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Russia has detained more journalists, including Kurmasheva, following the arrest of Evan Gershkovich a year ago. Kurmasheva has been in detention since October, as reported by independent Russian media outlet SOTA Vision. Her lawyer, Edgar Matevosyan, stated that she is innocent and intends to appeal the charges.
RFE/RL has praised Kurmasheva as a skilled journalist known for her coverage of ethnic minorities in Russia's Tatarstan and Bashkortostan regions.
In 2022, Russia broadened its law on "foreign agents" after invading Ukraine, indicating a stricter stance on free speech and opposition under President Vladimir Putin. Now, not only those funded from abroad are labeled as foreign agents, but also anyone supported or influenced by foreign entities.
Last week marked one year since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested and detained in Russia. He was charged with espionage during a work trip, allegations that he and his employer strongly reject. Gershkovich has not yet faced trial, and his pre-trial detention was recently extended until June 30. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.
In addition, six journalists from independent media outlets in Russia were also arrested last week. One of them, Antonina Favorskaya of SOTA Vision, has been accused of engaging in "extremist activities" due to her reporting on the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, as stated by Reporters Without Borders.
Anna Cooban and Olesya Dmitracova in London contributed to this article.
Editor's P/S:
The detention of Alsu Kurmasheva, a US-Russian journalist, exposes the alarming erosion of press freedom in Russia. Her arrest, along with those of other journalists in recent weeks, reflects the Kremlin's relentless crackdown on independent media. The charges against Kurmasheva for failing to register as a foreign agent are baseless and politically motivated, serving to silence critical voices and intimidate those reporting on sensitive topics. It is deeply concerning that she is being held in inhumane conditions, with no access to adequate medical care or basic amenities.
Kurmasheva's case also highlights the deteriorating relations between Russia and the United States. The increased arrests of Americans in Russia underscore the escalating tensions between the two countries. It is crucial for international organizations and governments to condemn these arbitrary detentions and demand the immediate release of Kurmasheva and all other journalists unjustly held in Russia. The preservation of press freedom and the protection of journalists are essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and the flow of information in a democratic society.
