Dozens of states criticize Russia for media 'crackdown' after reporter arrest

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, reads a statement that expresses deep concern over Russia's detainment of a Wall Street Journal reporter and protested Moscow's "efforts to limit and intimidate the media", Thomas-Greenfield was joined by representatives from some of the more than 40 other countries that agreed to the statement, at the United Nations in New York, U.S. April 17, 2023. REUTERS/Michelle Nichols

The United States and more than 40 other countries said in a joint statement on Monday that they were deeply concerned over Russia's detainment of a Wall Street Journal reporter and protested Moscow's "efforts to limit and intimidate the media."

They also said in the statement, read to reporters at the United Nations by U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield: "We urge Russian Federation authorities to release those they hold on political grounds, and to end the draconian crackdown on freedom of expression, including against members of the media."