Sporting stars unite for detained journalist Evan Gershkovich
Former Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist has joined a chorus of big names across the sporting codes in support of detained journalist Evan Gershkovich. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
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Key figures from Australia’s sporting world are adding their voice in support of the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been unjustly detained in Russia for a year.
A fan of Arsenal and a social football player himself, Mr Gershkovich’s plight has not gone unnoticed in the sporting community, with former Socceroos Craig Foster and Robbie Slater, cricketers Pat Cummins, Adam Gilchrist and David Warner, and NRL boss Peter V’landys all writing to him, urging him to keep his spirits up as he notches up one year in detention in Letofvo prison.
Their letters – to be translated into Russian and sent to Mr Gershkovich – are part of News Corp Australia’s Dear Evan campaign, which has been designed to raise awareness of his case.
Mr Gershkovich was arrested on charges of espionage on March 29 last year while researching a story. His lawyers, his family and his employers at the Wall Street Journal have rejected the charges against him in the strongest possible terms.
Craig Foster, the former Socceroo who spearheaded the campaign to free footballer Hakeem al-Araibi from detention in Thailand back in 2019, said the work of journalists was “under increasing threat”.
“All of you who work to ensure that citizens are informed have my utmost support and like countless more, I call on the government of Russia to give you the freedom you are entitled to, and which is long overdue,” he wrote in a letter to Mr Gershkovich.
The former Socceroo and English Premier League player Robbie Slater said journalists were under threat like never before.
“You only have to look at the Kremlin sanctioned crackdowns on independent journalists and media organisations in the lead up to the recent Russian elections,” he wrote.
Mr Slater ended his letter to Mr Gershkovich with the hope that will be free in time to watch the Matildas take on Team USA for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Crossing the football codes, the Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, Peter V’landys, said it was “deeply concerning” that Mr Gershkovich’s detention had dragged on for a year.
“Journalism is not a crime. A free press is a symbol of a free people and a free nation,” he said, before cheekily offering to introduce him, after his release, to the “majestic beauty and the unbelievable skills” of Rugby League.
Past and present cricketers also extended their wishes for Mr Gershkovich’s speedy release.
Australian captain Pat Cummins sent his thoughts from India.
“Keep fighting for free speech and the integrity of journalism,” he wrote. “I hope this situation is sorted very soon and you can return to your loved ones.”
Former captain Adam Gilchrist expressed his empathy over “the frustrations of what is an obvious unjust situation”.
“I encourage you to keep up the fight mate and we pray for your release as soon as possible,” he said.
David Warner admitted he had “had a few run-ins with journalists in the past” but as he had gotten older, he held “a greater respect for pursuit of truth, importance of balance, fairness, and free speech”.
“Stay positive – my thoughts are with you and your family mate,” he wrote.
Fox League Australia presenter and journalist Yvonne Sampson wrote: “Just like your mother and father left the Soviet Union on a journey to a free life, so will you. Courage is in your DNA”.
“Journalism is fundamental to democracy and it relies on brave individuals like you who seek truth despite its grave challenges. Trust in the media and support of its professionals is critical to creating a better, more kind and open society,” Sampson wrote.
“Your unwavering dedication to truth is a service to this cause”.
Paul Beckett, Mr Gershkovich’s colleague at the Wall Street Journal, said the 32-year-old had been playing football for a local team in Moscow prior to his arrest, and his love for the game went back decades.
“When he was in high school he scored the winning goal for Princeton when it won the state championship. That same Princeton team actually won the state championship last year, and they dedicated that victory to Evan,” Mr Beckett said.
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