Boris Johnson tells Putin to release WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich & ‘protect vital role of free press’

BORIS Johnson piled pressure on Russia to release wrongly-held WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich from jail.

The ex-PM hailed our media to mark World Press Freedom day at home and abroad as he demanded that Mad Vladimir Putin let his political prisoner go.

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Boris Johnson piled pressure on Russia to release wrongly-held WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich from jail[/caption]

AP

US reporter Evan Gershkovich has been detained in Russia since March 29 on trumped up spying charges, which he denies[/caption]

The US reporter has been detained in Russia since March 29 on trumped up spying charges, which he denies.

Politicians and journalists around the world have come together to fight for his release.

Last night Mr Johnson said: “World Press Freedom Day is a reminder that we must protect the vital role of a free press, at home and abroad.

“Russia still holds WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich in jail.

“He and all journalists wrongfully detained must be released immediately.”

Former Culture Secretary Sir John Whittingale pressed the PM on upholding our vital press freedoms in the face of aggression from rogue states – and called on him to join the fight for his release.

Mr Sunak insisted a free press was the “cornerstone of democracy” and vowed to uphold it.