World Bank Chief Calls Russia’s Arrest of Gershkovich a Brazen Act

WASHINGTON—World Bank President David Malpass said the detention of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter held in a Russian prison and accused of spying, is a “brazen act” by the Russian government that violates freedom of the press. 

Mr. Malpass said on the first day of the bank’s semiannual meetings in Washington that the multilateral lender considers freedom of the press vital, saying that includes ensuring the safety of journalists.