Sara Fischer: Gershkovich release took “thousands of hours” of advocacy

August 2, 2024

Source: AXIOS

Written by: Sara Fischer

This piece is by WWSG exclusive thought leader, Sara Fischer.

Evan Gershkovich’s long-awaited release from a Russian prison Thursday came from thousands of hours of advocacy through quiet diplomacy and official channels, Wall Street Journal Publisher Almar Latour told Axios in an interview Thursday.

Why it matters: The release of Gershkovich as part of a prisoner exchange between seven countries — including Russia, the U.S. and Germany — represents a historic milestone for press freedoms around the world.

“It’s been heartening to see the global news industry come together around Evan,” Latour said. “And putting this hugely important topic of press freedom on the map in ways that haven’t happened as of late — not on that scale.”

Zoom in: The momentous exchange represents one of the largest prisoner swaps between Moscow and the West since the Cold War.

While parts of the negotiation process are starting to spill out, Latour cautioned that “there will be things that will probably remain unseen and unsaid.”
Some of those details could be released by Gershkovich himself, who Latour noted, now has “agency to speak for himself, including his case.”
The Journal’s advocacy campaign was separate from the official diplomatic efforts by the U.S. government, “but at times came together,” Latour noted.

Yes, but: The process was at times an emotional roller coaster, Latour admits.

“I can tell you there have been ups and downs throughout this. And so we always were cautious when we got progress updates to not get too excited, but also to never feel suppressed or oppressed by bad news or developments that seemingly might be steps backward and there certainly weren’t moments like that.”
Latour said The Journal leaned heavily on Gershkovich’s family for inspiration and emotional support. Latour called it “a privilege of a lifetime” to work with them.
“They were so steadfast, so stoic. But at the same time, they carried a sense of humor at all the right times in a very effective. And in a dark moment, “they could bring some sense of humor to carry us through.”

The big picture: Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison earlier this month following what the U.S. Government and The Journal called a “sham” trial, held behind closed doors.

As one of his last requests before his release, Gershkovich asked the Russian government for a chance to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We admire his spirit,” Latour said, calling his message to Putin “audacious.”
“We are deeply inspired by how he got through the past 16 months.

What to watch: Asked how The Journal plans to continue putting reporters in Russia and other autocratic nations, Latour said the company is “as committed as ever to getting reliable information to our users and readers, and we are going to continue to do that,” while putting safety first.

“It’s important for the press worldwide that we all stay committed to covering even the most difficult places on earth. We need to get those stories out.”

What’s next: It’s unclear what comes next for Gershkovich. “He can make up his own mind,” Latour said. “We will be there along the way to support him.”

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