American RFE/RL reporter Alsu Kurmasheva released from Russian custody

Washington, D.C. — After more than nine months in prison, American RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been released as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia. The deal included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained by the Kremlin for 16 months.

“This is such incredible news, and I am tremendously thankful to everyone who supported and advocated for Alsu’s release in the wake of Russia’s callous injustice,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “Journalism is not a crime. I am elated that Alsu is finally able to go home to her loved ones and close this painful chapter.”

RFE/RL President & CEO Stephen Capus said, “We welcome news of Alsu’s release and are grateful to the American government and all who worked tirelessly to end her unjust treatment by Russia. Alsu was targeted because she was an American journalist who was simply trying to take care of a family member inside Russia. She did nothing wrong and certainly did not deserve the unjust treatment and forced separation from her loving family members and colleagues. Alsu’s release makes us even more determined to secure the freedom of three other RFE/RL journalists, cruelly imprisoned in Belarus and Russian-occupied Crimea. We will not rest until all our unjustly detained journalists are home safe. Journalism is not a crime. Welcome home, Alsu.”