Russian American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who holds dual Russian and U.S. citizenship, is facing charges of improper registration and potential accusations of collecting military secrets after her arrest in Kazan, Russia. Kurmasheva, an editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), was detained on October 18 and faces up to five years in prison. Her arrest has prompted concerns about press freedom and the treatment of American citizens in Russia.
Jeffrey Gedmin, the acting president of RFE/RL, described the dire conditions of Kurmasheva’s detention, emphasizing the need for her release. Efforts are underway to secure her legal representation and improve her living conditions. Gedmin is working with U.S. Embassy officials to visit Kurmasheva, awaiting permission from Russia for the meeting. He is also exploring potential negotiations, including the possibility of a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap.
Kurmasheva’s family and RFE/RL have denied the charges against her, emphasizing her role as a culture reporter and mother of two children. The U.S. government, the European Union, the United Nations, and human rights and press freedom organizations have called for her immediate release.
The arrest of Alsu Kurmasheva follows a pattern of increased restrictions on journalists and media organizations in Russia, with several RFE/RL journalists labeled as foreign agents and detained in Russian-allied Belarus and Russian-held Crimea. The tightening of laws on foreign agent registrations has raised concerns about the treatment of individuals, including Russian citizens, who may be accused of acting under foreign influence. The case of Kurmasheva highlights the challenges faced by journalists operating in countries with strained relations with the United States.
