Demand for Release of Detained WSJ Reporter Highlights Threat to Press Freedom in Russia

Over 200 Russian journalists have signed an open letter demanding the release of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was detained and charged with espionage last week while reporting for the Wall Street Journal. The letter's authors dismissed the allegations as "preposterous and unjust" and compared Gershkovich's case to that of Russian defense reporter Ivan Safronov, who was sentenced to 22 years in prison last year in a case his supporters allege was brought against him as punishment for his journalism. Gershkovich has denied the charges, and his detention is scheduled to last until at least May 29.