Sentencing Follows Evan Gershkovich’s Conviction
In a significant escalation, a Russian court has sentenced US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva to six and a half years in prison for disseminating “false information” about the military. This sentencing comes just days after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich received a 16-year prison term on espionage charges.
Details of Kurmasheva’s case
Kurmasheva, an editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), was arrested in Kazan last October for failing to register as a ‘foreign agent.’ She was charged under a law that requires those collecting military-related information for foreign sources to register as foreign agents. Additionally, she was fined $103 for not registering her US passport with Russian authorities.
Official reactions and legal implications
Natalya Loseva, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court of Tatarstan, confirmed Kurmasheva’s sentence: “Six years, six months.” Stephen Capus, president and CEO of RFE/RL, condemned the sentence as a “mockery of justice,” demanding Kurmasheva’s immediate release.
The sentencing of Kurmasheva follows Gershkovich’s conviction, marking heightened tensions between the US and Russia. President Joe Biden has reiterated his commitment to securing Gershkovich’s release, stating the journalist “committed no crime” and was “targeted” for being an American reporter.
Potential diplomatic moves
The possibility of a prisoner exchange between Washington and Moscow remains a topic of speculation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated interest in the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted in Germany of killing a Chechen separatist commander, as a potential exchange candidate.