An American woman sentenced to long imprisonment in Russia
In Russia, harsh court judgments are piling up against people with American citizenship. Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva is also facing many years in prison. Her employer, Moscow, has been a thorn in the side for a longer period of time.
The Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for allegedly disseminating false information about the Russian military. According to the court in Kazan, Kurmasheva was found guilty in a secret trial as early as the previous Friday. The same day, US journalist Evan Gershkovich was also sentenced to 16 years in prison in Russia for alleged espionage.
Kurmasheva, a Russian-American dual citizen, worked for the US-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty when she was arrested on October 18 of the previous year. She was charged with failing to register as a foreign agent while gathering information on the Russian military. Later, she was also accused of disseminating "false information" about the Russian military. No details were made public about this charge against her.
The CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Stephen Capus, stated that the trial against Kurmasheva was a "mockery of justice." The only just solution, he said, was her release. Kurmasheva lives with her husband and two daughters in Prague.
Russia is taking action against the broadcaster
Radio Liberty is known for its extensive reporting on Russia's armed conflict with Ukraine and also publishes in Russian. This year, Russian authorities have banned the medium from broadcasting in the country.
Radio Liberty warns its users on its homepage and social media networks: "Please note that if you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and have a Russian passport or are stateless and reside permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, you may face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content or for contacting us."
Following the court judgments against American citizens in Russia, concerns about freedom of the press have escalated. Russia's actions against organizations like Radio Liberty, such as banning its broadcasts and threatening citizens with fines or imprisonment, are seen as part of wider political processes related to Wars and Conflicts, with Russia being a key player.
The sentencing of Alsu Kurmasheva and Evan Gershkovich to lengthy prison terms for alleged dissemination of false information and espionage have sparked international criticism, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, primarily in the realm of Politics.
