Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), has been facing unjust persecution and detention since October 18. This is her second time being held in Russia since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Currently held in pre-trial detention in Tatarstan, her custody is scheduled to end on February 5. Initially, Kurmasheva was found guilty of failing to declare her U.S. passport, leading to a fine. She was later accused of failing to register as a foreign agent, for which she faces up to five years in prison and to which she has pleaded not guilty.

NEW!!! Russia has finally 'acknowledged' @RFERL editor Alsu Kurmasheva’s detention to the U.S, 'though they have not made a formal notification,’ DoS Spox tells me #FreeAlsu #JournalismIsNotACrime pic.twitter.com/3wjC52rXz1

— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) December 13, 2023

Additionally, a new criminal case was opened against her on December 11, accusing her of intentionally gathering military information that could be used against Russia. This new case revolves around a book she edited that features stories of Russians who oppose the Ukraine war. According to Tatar-Inform, a state-affiliated media outlet, Kurmasheva's editing and promotion of the book were seen as deliberately distributing false information about the Russian army out of political hatred.

This offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Russian authorities have not yet commented on the Tatar-Inform report. Kurmasheva's treatment has been strongly condemned by Radio Free Europe, with acting president and board member Jeffrey Gedmin stating, "Journalism is not a crime. It is time for this cruel persecution to end." Kurmasheva has already spent 56 days in detention, separated from her family unjustly.