WASHINGTON, June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from
Emily Wilkins, President of the
National Press Club on the first day of trial for Wall Street
Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich in
Yekaterinburg, Russia.
"The first day of Evan's trial was conducted behind closed
doors. Even the observers from the U.S. Consulate had to leave the
courtroom – an early sign of the unjust sham trial we expect to
come.
"We understand Evan will be unjustly convicted because all those
indicted in these kinds of trials in Russia are convicted. There will be no
actual evidence presented, as there is no evidence. There will be
nothing fair about this trial.
"Evan was fully credentialed to be in Russia and reporting for the Wall Street
Journal. This reality is being ignored in Yekaterinburg where they
are pretending Evan was reporting for the government – a ridiculous
accusation with no basis in truth.
"We remain concerned for Evan's safety and the lack of details
about where he is being held during the trial and if he can still
send and receive letters from his family. Our biggest question
remains: how soon are we bringing Evan home? We see his next trial
date is now set for August. 13."
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading
professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members
representing nearly every major news organization the Club is a
leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.
Contact: Bill McCarren,
202-725-7787 for the National Press Club
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SOURCE National Press Club