Biden calls for release of WSJ journalist Gershkovich, arrested in Russia

WSJ writes about it.

Biden made such a statement during the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association.

“Journalism is not a crime,” Mr. Biden said. “Evan should be released immediately, along with every other American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.”

Biden also met with Gershkovich's family and assured them that the government was working to release the journalist.

“Evan went to report in Russia to shed light on the darkness,” Mr. Biden said. “Everyone in this hall stands with you. We are working every day to secure his release, looking at opportunities and tools to bring him home.”

• Earlier, the FSB detained The Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich in Yekaterinburg, he was arrested in the case of espionage. The American newspaper called on the US to expel the Russian ambassador. US President Joe Biden commented on the arrest.

• It is also reported that the journalist of The Wall Street Journal was previously monitored by the Russian special services.

• Subsequently, investigators of the FSB of Russia officially charged Evan Gershkovich with espionage. The journalist himself denied the accusations.

• On April 17, US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy was allowed to see the arrested WSJ journalist Gershkovich for the first time.

• On April 27, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation rejected the request of the US Embassy about consular visits of the journalist.