Russia – France condemns the arrest of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia (19 October 2023)

France deplores the arrest of Russian-American Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

This arrest follows that of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, whose detention was extended in August.

France is very concerned by the Russian authorities’ crackdown on critics of the government and its war of aggression against Ukraine. It condemns restrictions on the freedom of speech and freedom of the press, which have multiplied in recent months.

France calls on the Russian authorities to respect human rights and fundamental liberties, to release all political prisoners and to drop legal proceedings against them.