US determines Wall Street Journal reporter jailed in Russia 'wrongfully detained'
The State Department can now more effectively work to free Evan Gershkovich. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has officially determined that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is being "wrongfully detained" by Russia, a designation that will allow the U.S. government to more aggressively advocate for his freedom. "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 State Department said in a statement announcing the development on Monday. "The U.S. government will provide all appropriate support to Mr. Gershkovich and his family. We call for the Russian Federation to immediately release Mr. Gershkovich." Gershkovich, a 31-year-old American citizen who has worked in Moscow for more than half a decade, was arrested late last month on espionage charges. He has pleaded not guilty, and both the Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government have repeat...