The National Press Club is honoring imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich with its highest honor for press freedom, the John Aubuchon Award.
Eileen O’Reilly, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, issued a joint statement announcing the award:
“Journalist Evan Gershkovich has been dedicated and courageous while reporting from Russia during a period of dramatically increased danger for journalists. In an environment filled with risks, he has consistently delivered honest, bold and enlightening news coverage. Evan’s journalism is the cause of his unjust detention by Russian security forces. Journalism is not a crime and Evan should not be jailed for his profession — he should be honored for it. We call for Evan to be released immediately and without conditions.”
Aubuchon honorees do not simply receive recognition and a prize. By selecting Gershkovich, the Club and the Institute are committing to monitor and support his case and to work toward ensuring his freedom, including his freedom to publish. The Club and the Institute will continue to advocate not only for Gershkovich, but also for all the foreign journalists working from Russia and who had expected that their non-Russian passports would provide them some protection.
Leaders of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones issued the following statements:
“We thank the National Press Club for honoring Evan’s commitment to shedding light on issues around the world so the public can make informed decisions. Evan is a distinguished member of the free press, and any other suggestions are false. We deeply appreciate the National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute for standing with Evan as we continue to demand his release.”
Emma Tucker, Editor in Chief, The Wall Street Journal“Evan is a respected journalist whose reporting provides a unique insight into life in an evolving Russia,” said Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and Publisher of The Wall Street Journal. “His unjust arrest deprives readers around the world and in Russia of valuable insights. It’s an affront to journalism and should matter to anyone who values freedom. Evan represents the very best of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones, and we continue to call for his safe and immediate release.”
