Russia: Women Press Freedom Celebrates the Release of Alsu Kurmasheva and Others in US-Russia Prisoner Swap
Jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershovich and political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza among those freed
Location: Russia
Date: August 1, 2024
Women Press Freedom is delighted that Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been released from prison in Russia and is finally, after ten grueling months, able to return home to family in Prague. The RFE/RL journalists’ release was secured as part of a mass prisoner swap between several Western countries and Russia. Since her unjust detention last October, Women Press Freedom has been continuously advocating for Alsu’s release. Throughout her ordeal, Kurmasheva was denied proper medical care and contact with her family. This is the best possible outcome, and we commend all who worked to free Alsu, along with the other political prisoners, unfairly trapped behind Russian bars. We especially note the tireless work of Alsu’s loving husband, Pavel Butorin, and her two daughters, who spoke so eloquently about their mother to government bodies and international media. After almost a year, Alsu will be returned to them and free from the horrors of the tiny cell in Kazan. We send Alsu, her family, and all her loved ones the very best. While celebrating this incredible news, Women Press Freedom also wishes to highlight the ongoing plight of Russian journalists who remain imprisoned for merely doing their job. This includes Maria Ponomarenko, Antonina Favorskaya, and Olga Komleva. The Kremlin must cease its relentless persecution of journalists and free them all immediately.
On August 1, 2024, in a touching and emotional scene, Alsu Kurmasheva was finally reunited with her husband and two daughters after ten long months of unjust detention in a Russian jail. As she disembarked a plane at a military airport base near Washington, D.C., she was also warmly greeted by US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Kurmasheva's eldest daughter, Bibi Butorin, noted that her younger sister's 13th birthday is tomorrow, calling their mother’s return the "best birthday present ever."
Alsu Kurmasheva’s release was part of a high-profile prisoner exchange finalized between Russia, the U.S. and Germany. Those released also included wrongfully detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich, American former marine Paul Whelan, prominent Russian political figures and activists Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Andrei Pivovarov, Oleg Orlov, Alexandra Skochilenko, Lilia Chanycheva, Ksenia Fadeeva, Kevin Lik,Demuri Voronin, Vadim Ostanin, German Rico Krieger, and others.
In exchange, Russia received FSB operative and convicted assassin Vadim Krasikov and several other individuals linked to espionage and fraud.
Negotiations, which began in early 2022, saw a complex interplay of political and moral considerations. By July 2024, the agreement was finalized, resulting in the release of the political prisoners through a Russian presidential pardon, which does not require an admission of guilt.
Kurmasheva, editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), was unjustly detained by Russian authorities on October 18, 2023. Initially targeted for failing to register as a "foreign agent," her situation escalated with new charges accusing her of spreading "fake" news about Russia’s military. Despite her deteriorating health and multiple appeals by her defense for house arrest, Russian courts consistently extended her detention.
On July 19, 2024, Kurmasheva was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after a secret trial, where she was convicted of spreading false information about the Russian military.
The prisoner exchange marks a celebratory moment for human rights and justice advocates. The release of high-profile political prisoners, including prominent figures such as Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Alsu Kurmasheva, represents a notable triumph for the global effort to secure the freedom of unjustly detained individuals. This exchange not only restores freedom to those who have been wrongfully imprisoned but also underscores the successful diplomatic negotiations that prioritized human rights and legal fairness. The culmination of these negotiations, which involved intricate political maneuvering and moral considerations, highlights a renewed commitment to resolving complex international issues through dialogue and compromise.
The release of these prisoners, who have faced severe restrictions on their freedoms for their journalism or activism, is celebrated as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of global advocacy for justice and press freedom.
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