US President Joe Biden has expressed his outrage over the verdict of a Russian court that sentenced The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison. His statement was published on the White House website, UNN reports.
Details
“Today, Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison, despite the fact that he did not commit a crime. Rather, he was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American. We have been demanding Evan's release and will continue to do so,” Biden said.
The US President emphasized that Russia had unfairly detained Gershkovich and stated that journalism is not a crime. Biden emphasized that the United States will continue to vigorously defend press freedom in Russia and around the world, standing up to anyone who tries to attack the press or target journalists.
“Journalism is not a crime. We will continue to resolutely defend press freedom in Russia and around the world and to stand up to all those who try to attack the press or target journalists,” the president said.
Biden also noted that from his very first day in office, he has had no higher priority than to seek the release and safe return of all Americans illegally detained and held hostage abroad. He praised Gershkovich's endurance and strength in this difficult situation and pledged to continue efforts to bring him home.
Recall
On July 19, the Sverdlovsk Regional Court of the Russian Federation sentenced The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, accused of “espionage,” to 16 years in a maximum security prison. The indictment was approved by the Russian Prosecutor General's Office on June 14 and sent to court.