Special presidential envoy for hostage affairs Roger Carstens discusses the latest in efforts by the U.S. to secure the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich, now held captive in Russia.
"Senior members of the U.S. government, including Secretary [of State Antony] Blinken, have met with their counterparts in Russia to try to press them to release Evan and to gain more information," he said."We've also been trying to gain consular access to him and have yet to have any luck in that." A view shows the pre-trial detention centre Lefortovo, where Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, arrested on suspicion of espionage, is reportedly being held in Moscow, Russia March 30, 2023.
"Putin's Playbook" author Rebekah Koffler explained the significance of the decision by the U.S. to designate him as an unlawful detainee, which includes helping his family obtain financial support for any legal fees they may incur."The designation of Evan Gershkovich as ‘wrongfully detained’ enabled the U.S. government to mount special resources needed to obtain his freedom and to support his family through this ordeal," she told Fox News Digital.
BROTHER OF RUSSIA DETAINEE PAUL WHELAN CALLS ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION GET HIM, IMPRISONED WSJ REPORTER HOME"It's great news, and I think everyone's happy to see things progress swiftly," she told Fox News Digital."Every day counts, for Evan, for his family… The designation is really the first step and a lot kicks into gear once it is in place. Glad to see things moving forward with determination.