The UK has this week joined a coalition of more than 40 countries denouncing the wrongful detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and calling on the Russian state to end its "draconian crackdown" on a free press.
In a joint statement on behalf of 46 countries led by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. representative to the United Nations on Monday 19 April, the Ambassador said that the coalition expressed its "solidarity and admiration for the journalists and media workers around the world who often risk their lives" to inform audiences and called for the immediate release of Gershkovich who was arrested in Russia on charges of espionage last month.
Earlier this week Gershkovich appeared in court in Moscow for an appeal hearing against his detention. The appeal was rejected and he will remain in custody until at least 29 May. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The Society of Editors has also highlighted Gershkovich's case, describing his arrest as "deeply concerning" and calling for his urgent release.
The Wall Street Journal has put together a selection of Evan's articles as Russia correspondent which can be seen here.
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