PRESIDENT Joe Biden has called Evan Gershkovich’s release an accomplishment of democracy after the Wall Street Journal reporter was finally freed from a Russian prison.
Evan, who was jailed in Russia for 491 days, was wrongly accused of espionage by Vladimir Putin‘s corrupt regime and faced a daunting 16-year prison sentence.
The Gershkovich family joined President Biden at the White House as he delivered remarks about the freed detainees in Russia.
Biden said he briefly spoke to the detainees and told them, “Welcome almost home.”
“They’re out of Russia. Earlier today, they were flown to Turkey, and soon they will be wheels up on their way home to see their families.”
“Now, their brutal ordeal is over and they’re free,” Biden said.
“Moments ago, families and I were able to speak to them on the telephone from the Oval Office.
Biden confirmed he did not speak with Putin about the prison swap, which he justified as bringing “home innocent people.”
The president met Evan’s family, including his parents, Ella and Mikhail, and sister, Danielle, at the White House at around 10:30 am on Thursday, according to the Wall Street Journal.
News Corp, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal, has also emphatically called for Evan’s release since he was first jailed last year.
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