WASHINGTON, July 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from
Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club, on the
sentencing of U.S. Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, a reporter
for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Kurmasheva was sentenced to
6.5 years after a trial held behind closed doors.
"We are deeply troubled and outraged to learn that Russia has continued its mockery of a case
against Alsu Kurmasheva and sentenced her to more than six
years in prison. The sham trial- done completely in secret-
underscores that Russia has no
case against her."
"Alsu is a journalist, and journalism is not a crime."
"We call on Russia to
immediately release Alsu and clear her of any convictions. We
call on the U.S. to do everything they can to bring Alsu back to
her husband Pavel and her daughters Miriam and Bibi. Further, the
State Department must declare Alsu wrongfully detained - now."
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading
professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members
representing nearly every major news organization, the Club is a
leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
Contact: Bill McCarren,
wmccarren@press.org for the National Press Club
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SOURCE National Press Club