Colby College honored American journalist jailed in Russia

WATERVILLE, Maine (WABI) - Colby College honored the family of the American journalist jailed in Russia with the 2023 Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award on his behalf this evening.

The award started in 1952 and honors journalists like Evan Gershkovich for their courage.

Gershkovich was on an assignment in Russia for the Wall Street Journal when he was detained in Moscow in March.

He is the first American journalist arrested on espionage charges in Russia since the end of the Cold War.

Many gathered at the Gordon Center for Arts in Colby to honor the family, including Paul Beckett who is the Washington Bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal where Gershkovich works.

The award was accepted by the family of Gershkovich including his parents and sister.

“We wish he could be here to accept it today, but we are truly honored to accept it on his behalf. Thank you. We are certain Evan wouldn’t consider himself particularly courageous. He adores his job as a reporter and is profoundly passionate about amplifying the voices of those who have important stories to tell. He was merely doing what he believed needed to be done,” said Gershkovich’s sister.

Beckett says Gershkovich has had three visits from the American ambassador in Moscow and is in good s

Beckett says he’s stepping down from his role to focus on getting Gershkovich released.