This petition was initiated by The National Press Club to call on Vladimir Putin to release Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, at once.

Evan has been held in Lefortovo Prison in Moscow after being apprehended by Russian security services on March 29th. Evan has not been allowed regular consular visits as is required by international law.

Evan was fully accredited by the Russian government to report as a journalist in Russia. His credential was active and not challenged or withdrawn. He was operating in accordance with Russian law and did nothing improper.

In April, after careful review, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared Evan as wrongfully detained. We could not agree more. Evan has appeared in court where his detention has been repeatedly extended. He must be released.

Evan is an excellent reporter. His work sheds light on life inside Russia during an important time. He was acting in every way as a reporter. The idea that he was a spy — the allegation that led to his detention — is absurd, as the U.S. government and The Wall Street Journal have repeatedly stated. He is a reporter following the best practices of journalism by reporting on the scene.

We support Evan’s family, The Wall Street Journal, and the millions of people working for his freedom from unjust detention. 

Related news coverage and statements by journalism organizations:

National Press Club Honors Imprisoned Journalist Evan Gershkovich with Aubuchon Award​

National Press Club: Russia’s solitary confinement of Evan Gershkovich Is torture​

Senators Write Letter of Support to Imprisoned Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich​

House Resolution Calls on Russia to Free Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan​

Congress is staying focused on freeing Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich from Russian custody: 32 senators demanded his immediate release.​

U.S. House Votes 422-0 to Demand Release of Evan Gershkovich​

National Press Club Statement on Evan Gershkovich’s Day in Court​

Inside Lefortovo, The Russian Jail Holding Journalist Evan Gershkovich​

Evan Gershkovich: Russian court extends detention of US journalist​

A Russian court has extended Evan Gershkovich's detention until the end of August​

National Press Club Calls For Russia To Release Evan Gershkovich​

National Press Club Statement on Denial of Consular Visits To Evan Gershkovich​

Senators to detained WSJ reporter: We won’t rest until you’re home​

House passes resolution calling on Putin to release reporter Gershkovich and others​

Congress Steps Up Pressure on Russia Over Jailing of Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan