
Evan Gershkovich has spent a year behind bars. The Wall Street Journal’s top editor hopes it will be his last
CNN
Emma Tucker is hopeful that by next year Evan Gershkovich will be free.
Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the “Reliable Sources” newsletter. Sign up for the daily digest chronicling the evolving media landscape here. Emma Tucker is hopeful that by next year Evan Gershkovich will be free. The Wall Street Journal boss, who spoke with me by phone this week, said that she believes “there are enough pieces in place” and “enough goodwill for that to happen.” Tucker, however, acknowledged that the U.S. is dealing with an unpredictable regime in Russia, making it difficult to offer a precise timeframe for when Gershkovich will be released. “But my expectation and sincere hope is that this time next year, he will not be imprisoned in Russia,” Tucker said. Tucker’s remarks come as Friday marks the one-year anniversary of Gershkovich being detained by the Vladimir Putin-led country. The accredited Journal reporter was arrested last March while reporting from the Russian city of Yekaterinburg and has since been held at the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow. His imprisonment, which has been vociferously denounced by free press advocates across the world, has been repeatedly extended as he awaits trial. While Gershkovich sits in a Russian cell, his colleagues at The Journal have done everything in their power to keep his story alive in the press. This week, the newspaper marked the one-year anniversary, raising awareness by holding a read-a-thon, “Swim for Evan” events, and several global runs. On Friday, it will lead a social media storm where people are encouraged to raise awareness of his case by posting online with the ”#IStandWithEvan” hashtag.

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