WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement today, which is World Press Freedom Day:

“On World Press Freedom Day, we celebrate the critical role journalists play in advancing freedom of speech and expression worldwide. A free press is an essential foundation and hallmark of any democracy, and the United States remains committed to ensuring such freedoms are protected for all.

“Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine; autocracies in Iran, China, Belarus, and Myanmar, among other nations; and humanitarian crises across the globe are solemn reminders of the heightened threats journalists face as they fight to report the truth, speak out against injustice, and hold governments accountable to their citizens. According to Reporters Without Borders, nearly 800 journalists were jailed at some point in 2023 and more than 45 were killed for simply doing their jobs. We must do everything we can to speak up for those unjustly detained and advocate for the rights of all journalists to ensure that they can safely continue the important work they do to advance human rights and democracy globally.   

“Specifically, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of journalists being unjustly detained around the world, including:

  • American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia since March 2023 on baseless espionage charges;
  • Alsu Kurmasheva, the Editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty who is well-known for her writing on the life of ethnic minorities in Russia, who has been detained since October 2023;
  • Vietnamese author and journalist Pham Doan Trang, who was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2021 for her internationally recognized human rights work and advocacy for a freer, more democratic Vietnam;
  • Tsi Conrad, a journalist and human rights defender from Cameroon, who has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his honest reporting on the excessive use of force against protestors; and
  • Floriane Irangabiye, a Burundian journalist currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for criticizing the government and ongoing human rights abuses in Burundi.”

In addition to serving as Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, Senator Coons is Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS) and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.