#FreeAlsu: Our Thank You letter to President Biden
The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) and Women Press Freedom have formally expressed their gratitude to President Joe Biden for his administration's successful efforts in securing the release of journalists Alsu Kurmasheva and others wrongfully detained in Russia.
In a letter to the White House, we commended the Biden administration’s commitment to press freedom and decisive action in protecting journalists.
This achievement was made possible through the combined advocacy of CFWIJ and other human rights organizations, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in defending journalists' rights and safety.
The release of Kurmasheva and Gershkovic marks a significant victory for press freedom and reinforces the United States' role in championing democratic values on the global stage.
You can read the letter bellow:
Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) | Women Press Freedom Initiative (WPF) August 4th, 2024
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Biden,
On behalf of the Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ), I extend our deepest gratitude for your administration's commitment to secure the release of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and others, including journalist Evan Gershkovic who were unjustly imprisoned by Russia. Your decisiveness and hard work that made this possible not only affirm the United States' commitment to protection of truth, freedom and integrity, but also inspire a global reaffirmation of the values that underpin democratic societies.
The strategic diplomatic interventions that were instrumental in these releases, showcase your administration’s commitment to safeguarding journalists and we thank you for that. We also admire the diplomatic acumen of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The CFWIJ congratulates you for your leadership that rekindles hope for many who strive for truth and democratic values across the globe.
Our organization's Women Press Freedom initiative’s mission is to ensure that women journalists worldwide can work without fear of retribution or violence. In our daily advocacy we find that gender and race often plays a significant role when journalists from diverse backgrounds are targeted. Often, and unfortunately, these attacks come from heads of states. In the United States for example, under Donald Trump’s administration, we noted a spike in misinformation and smear campaigns against journalists from gender and racially diverse backgrounds - we hope that doesn't happen again. When global leaders indulge in such distasteful and dangerous behavior towards women and LGBTQi journalists, it doesn't only hurt journalists, but also and especially the stories of communities these journalists report on.
The future of press freedom, particularly for women journalists, remains fraught with challenges, particularly those working in hostile environments. Women Press Freedom’s global advocacy aims to protect women journalists who face disproportionate threats, including harassment, violence, and imprisonment from undemocratic leaders and regimes. Every month we document hundreds of violations women and LGBTQ journalists face worldwide. We have worked on cases like that of journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, highlighting her relentless efforts to hold power to account despite facing severe repercussions. In Iran, the incarceration of journalists such as Narges Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned for her work underscores the perilous conditions our colleagues face under undemocratic regimes. In China, Zhang Zhan, who reported on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, is still languishing behind bars. We have tried to keep a global spotlight on her case.
In the case of Alsu Kurmasheva, our advocacy efforts included mobilizing international awareness, gathering community, coordinating with human rights organizations and press for diplomatic engagement. Alsu’s release is a triumph, yet we worry many still remain at risk, requiring continued vigilance and support.
Today as we celebrate Alsu and Evan’s return home, it is also a moment that reminds us that United States leadership in defending press freedom cannot be overstated. As a leading democracy, the U.S. sets a powerful example for the world. We are so thrilled that your leadership has demonstrated that the United States will not stand idly by as authoritarian regimes attempt to silence critical voices at home and abroad. This commitment not only reinforces the values of democracy but also inspires other nations to uphold these principles.
The CFWIJ remains a devoted partner to this crucial endeavor, advocating tirelessly for the rights and safety of women and non-binary journalists in the United States and around the globe. We thank you, President Biden, for your exemplary leadership upholding the tenets of a free and open society. A testament to the true strength of a democracy. Bravo! We will fondly remember your legacy.
With gratitude,
Kiran Nazish
Founding Director
Coalition For Women In Journalism | WomenInJournalism.org
121 6th Ave 6th Floor, New York, NY 10013, United States
