Journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was imprisoned in Russia, gives the Derk Sauer Lecture: watch the livestream here
Journalist Evan Gershkovich will deliver the first Derk Sauer Lecture at the debate center De Balie in Amsterdam to discuss press freedom and his time imprisoned in Russia. The annual event honors the late Derk Sauer, a prominent journalist and former mentor to Gershkovich.
Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich is set to deliver the inaugural Derk Sauer Lecture at De Balie in Amsterdam this Saturday. The event honors the legacy of the late Derk Sauer, who founded The Moscow Times and served as a mentor to Gershkovich. During the presentation, Gershkovich will discuss his experiences in Russia, including his time spent imprisoned in the high-security Lefortovo prison in Moscow and the tactics employed by the FSB. He was released last year as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States.
The initiative, organized by Het Parool, The Moscow Times, and De Balie, focuses on the importance of global press freedom. Derk Sauer passed away in 2025 following a sailing accident, and his family and colleagues established this annual lecture series to commemorate his contributions to journalism. Gershkovich, who remains close to the Sauer family, was chosen as the first speaker to reflect on the situation in Russia, where Sauer spent much of his professional life.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
