Families of Americans detained in Russia cling to hope as time passes

Several Americans are currently detained in Russia with their loved ones desperate to ensure the Biden administration is doing everything in its power to get them returned safely and as quickly as possible.

Two Americans held in Russia are believed to currently be considered wrongfully detained: Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. Both of them were arrested in Russia on what are widely considered to be trumped-up espionage charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Whelan was sentenced in 2020 and Gershkovich was sentenced on Friday.

“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,” President Joe Biden said.