A statement from P. Kenneth Burns, president of the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists, regarding the release of Wall Street Journal reporter and New Jersey native Evan Gershkovich:

“We are relieved to know that Evan Gershkovich is a free man from an unjust conviction in a rigged court trial. NJ-SPJ also celebrate with our colleagues at the Wall Street Journal, who have done a great job advocating for their reporter while honoring his work at the Journal at the same time.

We also want to reiterate to political leaders abroad, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, and here in New Jersey: JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME.”