US designates WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich as 'wrongfully detained' by Russia

NEW YORK

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday designated Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich as ''wrongfully detained'' by Russia and called for his immediate release.

The American journalist was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) last month and is accused of espionage. The Wall Street Journal denied the espionage allegations against him.

''Today, Secretary Blinken made a determination that Evan Gershkovich is wrongfully detained by Russia,” said State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel.

''Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Kremlin’s continued repression of independent voices in Russia and its ongoing war against the truth.

''The US government will provide all appropriate support to Mr. Gershkovich and his family. We call for the Russian Federation to immediately release Mr. Gershkovich.'' he added.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan, who is serving a 16-year prison sentence in Russia on spying charges after being arrested in 2018, was also declared ''wrongfully detained.''

''We also call on Russia to release wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan,'' Patel said.

NEW YORK

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday designated Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich as ''wrongfully detained'' by Russia and called for his immediate release.

The American journalist was arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) last month and is accused of espionage. The Wall Street Journal denied the espionage allegations against him.

''Today, Secretary Blinken made a determination that Evan Gershkovich is wrongfully detained by Russia,” said State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel.

''Journalism is not a crime. We condemn the Kremlin’s continued repression of independent voices in Russia and its ongoing war against the truth.

''The US government will provide all appropriate support to Mr. Gershkovich and his family. We call for the Russian Federation to immediately release Mr. Gershkovich.'' he added.

Former US Marine Paul Whelan, who is serving a 16-year prison sentence in Russia on spying charges after being arrested in 2018, was also declared ''wrongfully detained.''

''We also call on Russia to release wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan,'' Patel said.