South Africa's Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein is calling on the country's president to use his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to advocate for the release of
Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was arrested in Russia in March. In a letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Rabbi Goldstein emphasized the violation of human rights, international press freedom, and the rule of law caused by Gershkovich's ongoing incarceration. The chief rabbi sees an opportunity in South Africa's relationship with Russia to lobby for the imprisoned journalist.
Ramaphosa, who has faced criticism for maintaining ties with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine, has not yet responded to Rabbi Goldstein's letter. The president is leading a delegation of African leaders on a mission to promote peace between Russia and Ukraine, with a scheduled meeting with Putin on the agenda.
Unlike the United States and many European countries that support Ukraine, Ramaphosa has declared that South Africa will not take sides in the conflict between global powers. However, the United States has accused South Africa of arming Russia.
Rabbi Goldstein drew parallels between the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and the campaign to secure Gershkovich's release. He highlighted South Africa's position as part of the BRICS consortium, which includes Russia, and urged the president to use his influence to intervene and secure Gershkovich's freedom. The journalist, who is of Jewish descent, has garnered support from Jewish organizations and advocates worldwide, as well as condemnation of his arrest from various countries.
Drawing from South Africa's own history of sham legal processes and detention without trial during apartheid, Rabbi Goldstein appealed to President Ramaphosa to intervene personally and through diplomatic channels to ensure Gershkovich's safe return to his family in the United States.
As of now, Ramaphosa has not made any public comments regarding Gershkovich's detainment. Photo by Quistnix, Wikimedia commons.