On the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention in Russia, President Biden reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to securing his release. Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on espionage charges during a work trip to Yekaterinburg, accused of collecting secret military information. However, no evidence has been presented to support these allegations.
The U.S. government, The Wall Street Journal, and Gershkovich himself deny the accusations, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. President Biden expressed solidarity with Gershkovich, highlighting his dedication to reporting on Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Despite a recent court hearing offering little new information, Gershkovich remains detained until at least June 30. President Biden reiterated his administration's unwavering efforts to secure his release, along with other Americans wrongfully detained abroad, such as Paul Whelan, a corporate executive also held in Russia on espionage charges.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Russia's practice of using individuals as political leverage and called for the immediate release of Gershkovich and Whelan. Both detainees have maintained resilience in the face of their circumstances.
The Wall Street Journal marked the anniversary with a poignant gesture, leaving a blank space on its front page where Gershkovich's image would typically appear, accompanied by a headline that read: 'His Story Should be Here.'
President Biden emphasized that the U.S. government will continue to denounce Russia's actions and stand firm against attacks on press freedom. He assured Gershkovich's family that hope for his release remains steadfast.
