US-Russian journalist living in Prague detained in Russia

Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague, has been detained by the Russian authorities on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent, her employer has said. Kurmasheva holds dual US and Russian citizenship and was in Russia for a family emergency. When she tried to leave the country to return to her home in Prague, she was detained, her passports were confiscated, and she received a fine for failing to register her U.S. passport with Russian authorities.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has said it is deeply concerned by Kurmasheva’s detention and has called for her immediate release. “Journalism is not a crime and Kurmasheva’s detention is yet more proof that Russia is determined to stifle independent reporting” the CPJ said.