The Wall Street Journal and U.S. Representative to the UN marked World Press Freedom Day with a plea for the return of journalist Evan Gershkovich, and also acknowledged the dedication and courage of student journalists across the country this week.
The gathering, which took place on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, highlighted the unjust imprisonment of Gershkovich in Russia 400 days ago, and the subsequent challenges to press freedom worldwide. Attendees wore Free Evan pins and the event was held at the U.S. Mission to the UN.
U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the crucial role of journalism in the face of new and unprecedented challenges to democracy, communities, and international peace and security at the event.
When Mariana Katzarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, spoke at the event on Thursday, she proudly mentioned her graduation from the Columbia School of Journalism.
Katzarova highlighted the importance of journalism and the freedom for journalists, referencing recent protests and clashes with NYPD at Columbia. She expressed the need for work to be done instead of a celebratory atmosphere. protests and clashes with NYPD at Columbia. “I wish we had time to celebrate today, instead in the room and around the world, we have work to do.
She also expressed concerns about the lack of reporting access during the NYPD raid on Tuesday night to break up the protest encampments, and the considerable dangers posed to journalists across the world.
Student journalists at WKCR and The Columbia Daily Spectator provided real-time information on the NYPD raid at Columbia University Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night, as mainstream media outlets were restricted from campus. Their reporting drove many listeners to WKCR, causing the website to crash.
During the NYPD raid, student journalists were forced to shelter in place in the journalism school’s Pulitzer Hall and were reportedly threatened with arrest if they left the building.
A WKCR journalist expressed uncertainty on air about how to comply with the NYPD's instructions, highlighting the lack of documentation of the situation. WKCR journalist could be heard saying on air. 'No one is left here to document.'
Columbia student journalists received widespread praise for their crucial reporting on the encampments and the NYPD raid, while concerns were raised about the access needed to accurately report on such a raid involving college students.
MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell moderated a panel at the World Press Freedom Day event and reflected on her time as a radio journalist, commending Columbia student journalists for their 'extraordinary work under difficult circumstances.'
Mitchell noted the challenging experience of covering events in one's own community and emphasized the importance of rising to the task, drawing from her own experience as a student journalist in the '60s.
Mitchell also urged everyone in the room to think about the many talented young journalists who are working in very difficult situations all over the country.
At the event, Thomas-Greenfield pointed out that this year's World Press Freedom Day is not so much a celebration, but more of an urgent call to take action.
The U.S. Representative to the UN emphasized that Gershkovich was unlawfully held just for speaking the truth.
Thomas-Greenfield said, "Imprisoning Evan was supposed to show strength and control, but it actually exposes the weakness and fear of the Kremlin and other powerful leaders around the world.
Evan Gershkovich's sister Danielle also addressed the event, stating, "While I'm thankful for the chance to speak for my family, none of us should be here."
Although her family could see images and videos of Gershkovich in a Russian court recently, she expressed, "These moments are both happy and sad for my family… It's extremely hard to see my brother behind a glass panel in a courtroom thousands of miles away."
Danielle Gershkovich appealed to the U.S. and foreign governments to "intensify their efforts to bring Evan home… It has been over a year now, and every day is too long."
In March, a Russian court prolonged Gershkovich's detention by three months, pushing back the trial date to at least June 30. Gershkovich, 32, has been in a Russian prison for 400 days on charges of espionage, which the WSJ and the U.S. government have strongly rejected.
During last week's White House Correspondent's Dinner, President Joe Biden urged Vladimir Putin to release Gershkovich, and stated that the U.S. government is "doing everything we can" to bring him home. Gershkovich's family also attended the annual dinner and received a standing ovation when they were acknowledged for their courage.
