WSJ’s Tucker, Latour statement on Gershkovich

Wall Street Journal publisher and Dow Jones CEO Almar Latour and Journal editor in chief Emma Tucker sent out the following on Thursday on the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich:

Evan is free and on his way home.

He was released today in a multilateral prisoner exchange that took place in Ankara, Turkey, along with Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, among others. We are overwhelmed with relief and elated for Evan and his family, as well as for the others who were released.

At the same time, we condemn in the strongest terms Vladimir Putin’s regime in Russia, which orchestrated Evan’s 491-day wrongful imprisonment based on sham accusations and a fake trial as part of an all-out assault on the free press and truth. Unfortunately, many journalists remain unjustly imprisoned in Russia and around the world.

Evan and his family have displayed unrivaled courage, resilience and poise during this ordeal, which came to an end because of broad advocacy for his release around the world.

Specifically, we would like to thank the U.S. government and numerous governments around the world, with particular gratitude to Germany; global news media organizations standing in solidarity with Evan; Evan’s vast international network of friends; and our colleagues at The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones and News Corp who supported Evan from the first hour of his captivity.

We reserve special recognition and appreciation for Evan’s mother, Ella; his father, Mikhail; and his sister, Danielle, and her husband Anthony, who have been steadfast partners throughout this unthinkable ordeal. Their unwavering strength, positivity and resolve will continue to serve as an inspiration.