“It looks like a retaliatory measure from Russia against the United States”, denounces RSF

“It is indeed unheard of since the cold war”, alert Thursday, March 30 Jeanne Cavelier, head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia office of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), after the arrest of Evan Gershkovich. This Wall Street Journal journalist – correspondent in Moscow – was arrested in Russia. He is accused of spying for the benefit of the United States. Charges that the Wall Street Journal denies. “RSF, like the Wall Street Journal and many other media, are alarmed by this arrest, adds Jeanne Cavelier, which looks like a retaliatory measure by Russia against the United States”.

franceinfo: Is the Wall Street Journal right to worry about the safety of its journalist today?

Jeanne Cavelier: Yes, especially since the prosecutions are extremely heavy. For these espionage charges, the journalist faces up to 20 years in prison. This is indeed unheard of since the Cold War. RSF, like the Wall Street Journal and many other media outlets, are alarmed by this arrest, which looks like a reprisal measure by Russia against the United States.

Does the problem come from the new Russian legislation which makes it possible to imprison almost anyone who is directly or indirectly interested in the army?

Absolutely. The scope of state secrets is much greater than before the war. It is therefore easy to accuse a journalist of espionage to prevent him from carrying out legitimate investigations.

Do you worry about other foreign journalists, especially French ones?

This case could indeed be the first of a series, which is extremely worrying. Since the Russian invasion in Ukraine, many newsrooms have decided to suspend their operations and leave because it was too risky and too dangerous for their journalists. There, we are facing an increased risk with this demonstration of the Kremlin towards this journalist. We can expect new beginnings and less reliable information about Russia in the months and years to come.