Evan Gershkovich
Question
Jim Shannon
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to support the campaign to free Evan Gershkovich.
Answer
Evan Gershkovich's arrest further demonstrates Russia's lack of media freedom, and the UK calls for his immediate release. Mr Gershkovich is a US national and we will continue to support the US, who lead on consular support to him, with efforts to secure his release. On 17 April, the Foreign Secretary criticised Mr Gershkovich's arrest and said it showed a 'complete disregard for media freedom'. The UK has co-signed several statements as part of the Media Freedom Coalition, most recently on World Press Freedom Day, condemning Mr Gershkovich's detention. We have also called for Mr Gershkovich's release at the UN General Assembly.