#FreeAlsu: Sign RSF’s petition urging the U.S. to designate journalist Alsu Kurmasheva as “wrongfully detained”

UPDATE: On July 19, following a speedy secret trial, Alsu Kurmasheva was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for disseminating “false information” about the Russian army. Her conviction took place the same day that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison on “espionage” charges; however, the news of Kurmasheva’s sentencing was inexplicably not disclosed until July 22. These worrying developments have heightened the urgent need for increased US governmental efforts for Kurmasheva’s release.

Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reporter Alsu Kurmasheva has been held in Russia since October 18, 2023. A dual Russian-American national, she was arrested for failing to register as a foreign agent while on a trip to visit her mother, but her targeting was undoubtedly a result of her journalism. In December, an additional investigation began regarding her alleged violation of censorship laws adopted on March 4, 2022, a few days after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kurmasheva’s detention exemplifies the Kremlin’s recent pattern of taking international journalists hostage, in parallel to the relentless crackdown on domestic media.

RSF has consistently advocated for the U.S. government to make the case for Kurmasheva’s arbitrary arrest as an urgent priority. The wrongful nature of her detention is beyond doubt. The official designation of “wrongfully detained” from the U.S. government would underline this fact and marshal the full resources of the United States to secure her release. 

Kurmasheva was visiting Russia for personal reasons, yet she has been charged under the law used to punish journalists for their work. This makes her targeting an issue of serious concern for journalism and press freedom in the United States and globally.

Her detention has been widely condemned by policymakers in the U.S. and other countries, but the State Department has inexplicably failed to officially designate her as wrongfully detained – a measure that has proven crucial to U.S. efforts to advocate for other similar cases. RSF is joined by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and National Press Club in calling for the updated designation. If convicted, Alsu could spend up to 15 years in prison.

The Russian government has denied Kurmasheva’s formal requests to speak to her husband and daughters for over nine months. RSF remains concerned about Kurmasheva’s worsening health and heightened chance of receiving a guilty verdict if her security is not affirmed as a U.S. priority.

As a matter of urgency, please sign and share this petition calling on the State Department to designate Alsu Kurmasheva as “wrongfully detained” before her trial begins. #FreeAlsu