Press freedom around the world is gravely concerned by the recent detention of Wall Street Journal writer Evan Gershkovich on espionage accusations in Russia. That is the first time an American journalist has been held in Russia on such grounds since the Cold War, and it draws attention to how increasingly free speech and investigative reporting are being suppressed there.

The US has accused Gershkovich, who was headquartered in Moscow, of collecting military secrets. Although the contents of the allegations are unknown, they might result in harsh punishments and a term of up to 20 years in jail. The US government has vehemently refuted the accusations against Gershkovich, who has entered a not-guilty plea.

The timing of Gershkovich’s imprisonment raises questions about whether the accusations have political undertones. The incident happened only one week before high-stakes talks between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to take place in Geneva. The action might be interpreted as a message to the US not to exert too much pressure on matters like human rights and democracy, which Putin views as meddling in his nation’s internal affairs.

The essential role the press plays in holding governments accountable and uncovering corruption and wrongdoing is undermined by the targeting of journalists for their reporting. Given that Gershkovich works as a foreign reporter for a reputable international journal, his imprisonment is very concerning. The possibility that their profession could be criminalized just for gathering information and reporting on topics they find important sends a terrifying message to journalists all across the world.

Press freedom has historically been suppressed in Russia, where independent journalists have been subjected to abuse, threats, and even violence for their reporting. In recent years, the government has also passed a number of legislation that has made it more difficult for journalists to conduct their jobs, like branding some media outlets as “foreign agents” and limiting access to information outside of state-run networks.

This press repression is starkly illustrated by the arrest of Gershkovich, which emphasizes the need for increased international support for press freedom and the safety of journalists. Speaking out against the imprisonment of journalists worldwide, not only in Russia, requires the United States and other nations. Governments must also take action to guarantee that journalists may do their jobs without worrying about retaliation or punishment.

To sum up, the arrest of Evan Gershkovich in Russia is a grave setback for press freedom and the safety of journalists everywhere. It serves as a vivid reminder of the difficulties journalists confront in performing their vital work and emphasizes the need for more international support and action to protect their ability to report on events freely and without fear of retaliation.