US President Joe Biden has called on Russia to release an American journalist imprisoned there. “Release him,” Biden said yesterday in Washington, addressing Russia. The Democrat was responding to a reporter’s question about his message to Moscow on the case.
Yesterday, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant against American reporter Evan Gershkovich for alleged spying for the United States. The Wall Street Journal journalist also researched Russia’s war against Ukraine. He was initially in custody until May 29, the court said.
Born in 1991, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The Wall Street Journal rejected the allegations against its employee. The White House called the spying allegations ridiculous and strongly condemned Gershkovich’s arrest.
Open letter to the Russian ambassador
Media representatives and press rights organizations from several countries also called on Russia to release him. “Gershkovich is a journalist, not a spy, and must be released immediately and unconditionally,” said an open letter published by the NGO Committee to Protect Journalists and addressed to the Russian ambassador in Washington.
The letter was signed by 38 representatives of renowned international media, such as the New York Times, the British BBC, the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Signatories also included press freedom organizations such as PEN America and the International Press Institute.