Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

July 19, 2024

Today Evan Gershkovich received a sentence of 16 years in a Russian prison, despite having committed no crime. Rather, he was targeted by the Russian Government because he is a journalist and an American. We are pushing hard for Evan's release and will continue to do so.

As I have long said and as the U.N. also concluded, there is no question that Russia is wrongfully detaining Evan. Journalism is not a crime. We will continue to stand strong for press freedom in Russia and worldwide and stand against all those who seek to attack the press or target journalists. Additionally, since the very first day of my administration, I have had no higher priority than seeking the release and safe return of Evan, Paul Whelan and all Americans wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad. Evan has endured his ordeal with remarkable strength. We will not cease in our efforts to bring him home. And Jill and I are holding Evan and his family in our prayers.

NOTE: The statement referred to Paul N. Whelan, a U.S. citizen who was arrested and held on espionage charges by Russian security services in Moscow, Russia, on December 28, 2018.

Categories: Statements by the President : Russia, sentencing of U.S. citizen Evan Gershkovich. Names: Biden, Jill T.; Gershkovich, Evan; Whelan, Paul N.

Subjects: Hostages and U.S. nationals detained overseas, repatriation efforts; Press freedom; Russia, detention of U.S. citizens; Russia, human rights issues; Russia, sentencing of U.S. citizen.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400624.