Webdesk: Evan Gershkovich is a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, held in Russia right now. The United States has strongly asked for his instant release.
The Russian security force, the FSB, had tried to keep Gershkovich in jail for longer. John Kirby, a spokeswoman for the White House’s national security office, said that Gershkovich shouldn’t held at all. He stressed that journalism is not a crime. He also said that their top goal is to work hard to get Gershkovich back to his family at home, where he belongs.
On espionage charges, the FSB has allegedly asked to keep Gershkovich in jail for another three months. US officials are trying to get consular access to Gershkovich straight from the Russian government because they don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be able to. Consular access is essential to protect Gershkovich’s rights and give him the help he needs during this tough time.
The United States still committed to getting Evan Gershkovich released. They are still talking with Russian officials about it. Detaining journalists seen as a major attack on the freedom of the press, and the US government is firm in its belief that journalism should not be considered a crime. Gershkovich’s immediate release seen as a top concern, and work still going on to find a solution.
