Wall Street Journal Reporter Marks Year in Russian Prison

A Letter From His Family

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Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has now been detained in Russia for 250 days, and the ordeal for his family is far from over. In a letter written from prison, Gershkovich vowed to continue fighting for his freedom and expressed his love for his family and colleagues.

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Gershkovich, the son of Soviet emigres who settled in New Jersey, moved to Russia in 2017 to work for The Moscow Times newspaper. He was detained in March while on a reporting trip and charged with espionage. The charges against him have been widely condemned by the U.S. government and press freedom organizations.

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In his letter, Gershkovich said he has been treated well by his guards but that the conditions in the prison are difficult. He said he is grateful for the support he has received from his family and friends, and he urged them to continue fighting for his release.

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"I am determined to continue fighting for my freedom and for the freedom of all journalists who are unjustly detained," Gershkovich wrote. "I know that I am not alone in this fight, and I am grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and my colleagues."