Russian-American journalist jailed

Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian army during a secret trial in Kazan, Russia. The court's decision was announced on July 19, 2024, with the trial lasting only two days, and Kurmasheva's conviction has been described by RFE/RL officials as a 'mockery of justice.' Her charges are linked to a book she edited that featured stories from Russians opposing the war in Ukraine. Kurmasheva's husband stated she was wrongfully arrested while visiting family and has not been able to contact her children since her detention. The U.S. government is actively working to secure her release, asserting that the charges are politically motivated. This case follows another recent conviction of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who received a 16-year sentence for espionage under similar circumstances.