Evan Gershkovich loves Russia. His family speaks Russian at home. He has lived in Russia for one-fifth of his life, working as a journalist for American and Russian outlets. Now, he is facing 20 years in a Russian prison cell on trumped-up spying charges.

Despite his ordeal, Gershkovich is keeping optimistic. Over the weekend, he wrote to his parents to tell them he is not "losing hope". He even found the courage to joke about the food - not so different, he says, from his mum's cooking.

For many, Gershkovich is a symbol of one of our most precious values: freedom of the press.

Throughout history, journalists have often lifted the lid on injustices and abuses of power.

That is why many regard a free press as vital for a flourishingGrowing quickly and successfully. democracyA system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.. Yet according to the organisation Reporters Without Borders, only eight countries have established a "Good situation" for press freedom. And more than a third of the world population lives in countries with no press freedom.¹

Many journalists have paid the ultimate price for their work. More than 250 are currently imprisoned around the world, and every year dozens are killed.

But some say that while some journalists might be heroes, others have abused the rights of the free press.

In 1989, 97 Liverpool fans were killed in a crush at Hillsborough football stadium in SheffieldA city in South Yorkshire in England.. The local police force fed false stories to the press blaming the victims for their own deaths, which were widely reported.

The Sun newspaper falsely claimed fans had attacked police and robbed dead bodies. Later investigations found police and ambulance services responsible for the deaths, and the Sun was forced to apologise. The scandal permanently damaged the reputation of the press.

Yes: We call the press the "Fourth Estate" because it is a vital pillar of a healthy democracy. It is thanks to the free press that we know what is going on in government and can hold our representatives to account.

No: The heroics of a handful of journalists should not blind us to the fact that most journalists are willing mouthpieces for those in authority, who often use their own power against the public, not for it.

Or... Journalists have a complex craft. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail. They are neither heroes nor villains, just human beings doing a job.

Flourishing - Growing quickly and successfully.

Democracy - A system of government based on the idea of rule by the people.

Sheffield - A city in South Yorkshire in England.