Alsu Kurmasheva

Alsu Kurmasheva's Release from Russian Custody

Background on Alsu Kurmasheva

Alsu Kurmasheva, born September 1, 1976, is a Russian-American journalist based in Prague. She has been working with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Tatar-Bashkir service.

Announcement of Release

On December 8, 2022, the Biden administration announced the release of three U.S. citizens from Russia, including Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva. The release was the result of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia.

Kurmasheva's Detention

Kurmasheva was detained in Russia in June 2022 and sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison in November 2022. The charges against her related to her reporting activities for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Conclusion

The release of Alsu Kurmasheva from Russian custody is a significant victory for freedom of the press and human rights. It is a reminder that journalists around the world face persecution and imprisonment for their work. Kurmasheva's release sends a powerful message that the United States will not tolerate the targeting of journalists and that the world will not forget those who have been unjustly imprisoned.