Sentencing of Russian-American Journalists in Russia

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for spreading false information about the Russian army. Another U.S. citizen, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage. RFE/RL President calls Kurmasheva's trial a mockery of justice.

Key Points

  • Alsu Kurmasheva sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for spreading false information about the Russian army
  • Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage
  • RFE/RL President criticizes Kurmasheva's trial as a mockery of justice

Pros

  • Highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Russia
  • Calling out the unfair treatment of journalists by Russian authorities

Cons

  • Violation of freedom of speech and press
  • Increasing tensions between Russia and the West