Wall Street Journal assistant editor to speak on push to free reporter detained in Russia

The Youngstown Press Club will welcome Wall Street Journal assistant editor Paul Beckett for its next speaker series event, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the DeYor Performing Arts Center in downtown Youngstown.

Tickets are $32 to $37 with online ticket sales closing 30 minutes prior to doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Editor involved in effort to free reporter detained in Russia

Beckett is in charge of efforts to free Evan Grshkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained in Russia on March 29, 2023, while reported there as a journalist. Beckett will give an update on what is being done to secure the release for Evan.

In a recent interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, President Vladimir Putin of Russia stated that Evan got a hold of classified information while in Russia which charges him with espionage. However, the National Press Club in a statement, disputes this claim by Putin, saying that Evan was jailed because he was reporting.

The National Press Club statement continues: “Soon Evan will be in a trial. The weak argument against him will be that he worked for US intelligence, which, Russia will state is proven because he received classified documents. Evan worked for the Journal -- a fact established by an overwhelming record of evidence. Any classified information he received was as a reporter and was for the purpose of producing journalism for his employer and the readers of the Wall Street Journal around the world.”

After Beckett’s speech, a reception will follow in the Flad Pavilion featuring a light refreshment and a cash bar. The Youngstown Press Clubs stated that some proceeds from this event will be donated to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a non-profit organization which promotes press freedom worldwide.