Concerned Griner calls on Biden to return American journalists held in Russia

WNBA star Brittney Griner has shared her concern for Evan Gershkovich, the American journalist being held in Russia on espionage charges, and urged the Biden administration to secure his release.

WNBA star Brittney griner expressed concern for Evan Gershkovich and urged the Biden administration “to use every tool possible” in order to free the American journalist being held in Russia on espionage charges.

Griner said that every American taken is ours to fight and every American returned was a win for all. Griner was released in a high-profile prisoner exchange after spending most of the year in Russia.

Griner and Cherelle stated that their hearts are full of great concern for Gershkovich’s family in a statement they posted on Instagram late Saturday.

Russian security agents detained the Wall Street Journal reporter, 31 last week. The Journal strongly denies that he has been held for more than two months. His release has been demanded by the newspaper and other media outlets.

His arrest occurred as tensions between Washington, Moscow and Ukraine deepen and as the Kremlin cracksdown on freedom of speech at home.

President Joe Biden asked Moscow to free Gershkovich. He told reporters on Friday that his message regarding the arrest was simple: “Let him Go.”

Thursday’s statement by the Biden administration stated that it was working to obtain U.S. consular access for Gershkovich. Kamala Harris, Vice President, stated that the U.S. is “deeply concerned” by the arrest.

Harris stated that he would not tolerate — and in fact, condemn — the repression of journalists during a week-long trip to Africa.

In an Instagram statement, Griners praised the Biden administration’s recent success in repatriating other detained Americans, such as Jeff Woodke an aid worker held in Niger for six-years, and Paul Rusesbagina an American legal resident, human rights worker, who was imprisoned in Rwanda for more than two year.

The Griners urged their supporters to encourage the administration to do all it can to return wrongfully detained Americans home.

March 30, 2023 00:09

Griner, a six-time WNBA All-Star, plays for the Phoenix Mercury. She was arrested in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in February. She was taken to jail on drug charges. Russian authorities claimed she had vape canisters and cannabis oil in her baggage.

In December, she was released as part of a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout (an illicit arms dealer who was nicknamed “the merchant of death”)

Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, ruled out any quick swap with Gershkovich.

Ryabkov stated that he would not consider the issue because those who had been swapped have already completed their sentences, according to TASS news agency.

As Russia continues its war effort in Ukraine, has intensified‘s crackdowns against journalists and protestors at home. Moscow issued a new law that criminalizes criticism of the Russian army, and threatens prison for repeat offenders just days after the invasion.

Gershkovich’s parents are from the former Soviet Union. He covered Russia, Ukraine, and other countries for the Wall Street Journal. He could spend up to 20 years in Russian prison if he is convicted of spying.

The Journal released a statement Saturday stating that it “demands immediate release of our colleague” and describing him as “distinguished” but “fearless” reporter.

It added that Evan’s case was a vicious affront against a free press and should cause outrage among all free peoples and governments around the globe.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed.

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