U.S. Ambassador Visits Detained American Journalist in Moscow Prison, Calls for His Immediate Release

The U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, visited detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich in a Moscow prison on Monday, more than two weeks after his arrest. Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was detained in late March on suspicion of espionage in the interests of the American government, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Following her visit, Ambassador Tracy reported that Gershkovich is in good health and remains strong. The U.S. Embassy had previously requested access to Gershkovich, who is being held at Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison, but had been denied.

The FSB has yet to provide evidence to support the charges against Gershkovich. The U.S. Embassy has condemned the arrest and called for Gershkovich’s immediate release.

The arrest of Gershkovich has been widely condemned by international media organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, which has called on Russia to immediately release Gershkovich and drop all charges against him.

The U.S. Embassy has continued to call for Gershkovich’s release and has urged Russia to provide evidence to support the charges against him. The case has been closely watched by international media organizations and human rights groups, who have expressed concern over the lack of evidence and the potential implications for press freedom in Russia.