Press Release

Date: 20th April, 2023

SLAJ Joins Calls for the Release of  EVAN GERSHKOVICH

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) joins the growing calls by media organisations and journalists across the world for the immediate release of US Wall Street Journal journalist, Evan Gershkovich.

Gershkovich, 31, was arrested on 29th March, 2023 and detained in Russia on charges of espionage. Russian authorities claim he was trying to obtain classified defence information for the US government, and he could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charge. Gershkovich has denied any wrongdoing.

“A threat to the safety and security of one journalist anywhere is a threat to the safety and security of journalists everywhere. Governments everywhere should know that journalists are not the enemy; they are just performing a fundamental duty of providing information to the public. It is the obligation of every government to ensure our safety and security always, especially during times of crisis,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

Bankers: Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone, Wilberforce Street, Freetown. Account No. 3125345110. BBAN No. 5201-0000-2439-4246.

                      Sierra Leone Association of Journalists

     1^st Floor, 56 Campbell Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone P.M.B. 724,

Website: www.slajsl  Email: slaj.salone@gmail.co

 President: +232 76 470288 / +232 30 470288, Secretary-General: +232 76 814217

SLAJ supports CPJ’s request for a free and fair trial for Gershkovich, who appeared in a court in Moscow on Tuesday but his pre-trial detention appeal was rejected.

SLAJ believes that Gershkovich can never be an enemy to his own country of origin, and appeals to the Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, to use his good office to secure his immediate release.

Signed:

Alhaji Manika Kamara

Secretary General

Bankers: Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone, Wilberforce Street, Freetown. Account No. 3125345110. BBAN No. 5201-0000-2439-4246.

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The Calabash Newspaper Established in 2017, The Calabash Newspaper serves as a trusted platform for news and general information dissemination, catering to a broad Sierra Leonean audience both at home and abroad through its active presence on social media. The publication is committed to engaging its diverse readership by reporting on topical news events in Sierra Leone, enriched with editorials and insightful commentaries on pressing issues of the day. In addition to local news, The Calabash Newspaper expands its scope to include topics of continental interest, drawing from various international publications that address political, economic, and social developments across Africa.

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