RTDNA celebrates release of Evan Gershkovitz, Alsu Kurmasheva
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON (Aug. 1, 2024) — Radio Television Digital News Association Chair Sheryl Worsley and President Dan Shelley today issued the following statement:
“We are beyond thrilled that 2024 RTDNA Foundation First Amendment Award recipient and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovitz and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were released today by Russia, which unlawfully detained them last year. We thank the United States government and officials in other nations who helped secure their release, and the release of other Americans, in today’s historic exchange.
“Journalism is not a crime — not in Russia or anywhere else in the world. We have been working for months, along with many other press freedom groups and advocates, in hopes this day would come. Today, we join Evan’s and Alsu’s families, friends, colleagues and other champions in celebrating their freedom and release from clearly fabricated criminal charges leveled by a totalitarian state for counterintuitive but obvious geopolitical reasons.”
About RTDNA
The Radio Television Digital News Association is the world's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to broadcast and digital journalism. Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, RTDNA’s mission is to promote and protect responsible journalism. RTDNA defends the First Amendment rights of electronic journalists throughout the country, honors outstanding work in the profession through the Edward R. Murrow Awards and provides members with training to encourage ethical standards, newsroom leadership and innovation.