POLITICS: On Saturday, US President Joe Biden announced plans for securing the release of U.S. journslist, Evan Gershkovich. Gershkovich has been held in a Russian prison for one year following his travel to the far north eastern continent.
By Michelle Crawford-Sapenter
"Journalism is not a crime."--US President Joe Biden
Comments made by US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy who has agreed with Washington officials that Gershkovich was not conducting espionage--the crime the 32 yo is charged by the government of Russia.
"We will continue working every day to secure his release. We will continue to denounce and impose costs for Russia’s appalling attempts to use Americans as bargaining chips"--US President Joe Biden
Today, President Joe Biden has stated that the White House continues to search for reasonable avenues by which an agreement can be struck between Russia and the U.S.
Last year, during brief negotiations with Russia, the U.S. sought to gain the release of Evan Gershkovich and long time Ressisn detainee, Paul Whalen. Russia pushed for a lift of economic sanctio imposed by the U.S. and partner nations. The request by Putin landed eith much weight, a step that--as the war in Ukraine would roll on-- the ask, that contained a release of Russian detainees in the US, loomed, at best, as a back -gouge as opposed to a scratch.
The U.S. considered the possibility of compliance with Putin's request and yet despite the pitiable vircumstances that have befallen Whelan and Gershkovich, there would be no agreement between the US and Russia short of an end to Russia's fighting against Ukraine's pursuit of sovereignty.
Biden made clearly stated remarks inbving the Gershkovich situation stating, that tge Wall Street Journsl writer was in Russia to "...shine light of truth on Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine. Shortly after his wholly unjust and illegal detention."
Gershkovich has since written to his family stating "I will not give up hope." The quite apparently stellar journslist has received hlobal recognition as his plight continues for , now, 12 months.
President Biden has spoken with the Gershkovich family , reassuring Evan's parents and diblings that the US will not give up. Biden stated his strong opposition to anyone who attempts to attack the press or to target journalists.
Biden stated "To Evan, to Paul Whelan, and to all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad: We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring you home Biden stated earlier that journalists ; Whelan, Gershkovich and many others are "...the pillars of a free society."
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