UN ambassador condemns Gershkovich detention

The confinement of Wall Street Journal columnist Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia for more than a year, was condemned by UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

In a speech on Thursday, Thomas-Greenfield stated,” We gather here on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, an opportunity to honor journalists ‘ remarkable courage and significant contributions.”

This is less of a festival than an immediate call to action, she continued as we mourn the lots of reporters killed in Gaza, as lots more remain imprisoned around the world, and as Evan Gershkovich observes 400 days — 400 times in a Russian jail.

Gershkovich, who was based in Russia, was detained by the government’s Federal Security Service and charged with fear of spying. He has been detained since March 28, 2023.

In late March, a Moscow court extended Gershkovich’s preliminary confinement until the end of June. &nbsp,

The Biden administration has been trying to secure a slave switch to release Gershkovich, but a package has not yet been made. Previous Marine Paul Whelan and columnist Alsu Kurmasheva are among the American prisoners held by Russia in addition.

Thomas- Greenfield cited instances where reporters are “far to frequently” viciously attacked and detained for telling the truth in her remarks.

” That was Evan’s violence: reporting the facts about Russia’s improper war in Ukraine. A battle that continues to today”, she said.

She said Gershkovich’s confinement is meant to be a indication from Russia of endurance, strength and power.

” But the truth is that this perverse targeting by the Kremlin and by strongmen all over the world just exposes their fear and failure,” Thomas-Greenfield said. Because they are aware that those who use power to suffocate dissent are not kind to record.

She claimed that the United Nations is launching fresh initiatives to improve surveillance for reporters and independent media outlets as well as programs to combat claims intended to intimidate writers.