Alsu Kurmasheva

Alsu Kurmasheva, a press freedom advocate and journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, discusses the challenges of independent journalism in oppressive environments. She shares personal experiences from her nine-month detention in Russia and emphasizes the importance of organizations like hers in providing reliable news. The conversation delves into the historical evolution of shortwave radio, highlighting its transition from a tool of global connection to a weapon of propaganda. The troubling implications of cuts to U.S. foreign reporting and their celebration among authoritarian regimes are also explored.

Evan Gershkovich, a journalist recently freed after 16 months in Russian custody, shares his harrowing experience alongside fellow returnees Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan. Sarah Rainsford offers insight into the emotional toll on families, while Gordon Corera discusses the geopolitical implications of the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War. The speakers reflect on the high stakes of such exchanges and the persistent hope for others still detained amid ongoing conflict.

Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for Radio Free Europe, shares her harrowing account of being imprisoned in Russia for not registering as a foreign agent. She candidly discusses the psychological toll of isolation and her resilience through reading and family support. Kurmasheva reflects on her gratitude for freedom and the difficult transition back to life, while also addressing the moral complexities of journalism during wartime and the ethics surrounding prisoner swaps. Her insights into survival and strength are both profound and inspiring.

In this discussion, journalist Evan Gershkovich shares his harrowing experience following his return from Russia. Alsu Kurmasheva, also a journalist, reveals her role in the prisoner swap, opening up about the ethical dilemmas involved in negotiating with authoritarian regimes. Noah Rothman provides context on the international implications of these exchanges, while Paul Whelan, a former Marine, reflects on the aftermath of his own imprisonment. Together, they highlight the complex interplay of personal stories and geopolitics in the world of prisoner swaps.

Maria Corina Machado, a key political leader in Venezuela’s fight against Nicolás Maduro, discusses the challenges of running a movement without being on the ballot. She sheds light on the oppressive tactics used by the current regime to stifle opposition. Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian American journalist facing imprisonment, shares her harrowing experiences and those of her husband as they navigate political repression. Together, they highlight the struggles for democracy and freedom in regions marked by authoritarianism.