Biden calls for the release of all jailed journalists

US President Joe Biden issued a statement on World Press Freedom Day, calling for the release of all jailed journalists, including The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich and Radio Liberty’s Alsa Kurmasheva, who were arrested in Russia. About it reported Russian service of the Voice of America.

Biden noted that many journalists have been killed in the current war in Gaza, and “most of them are Palestinians.”

“Last year, more than 300 journalists were jailed around the world, the highest number in decades,” the US President said in a statement released by the White House. “On World Press Freedom Day, the United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists who went to jail for simply doing their job.”

Biden pledged that his administration will continue to support free and independent media around the world.

The US President emphasized that well-informed dissent is critical to building stronger and more successful communities. “Journalism should not be a crime anywhere on Earth,” the document notes. “We honor the courage and sacrifice of journalists and media workers around the world, support their right to do their jobs, and stand with them for press freedom.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement called on all countries to support free and independent media. “The free flow of reliable information, ideas and opinions that differ from the mainstream is necessary to ensure transparency in government,” said the head of the US State Department.