Former President Trump has promised to swiftly release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being held captive in Russia, if elected in November.
Mr Gershkovich, 32, was found guilty of espionage in a Russian court on Friday and sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison, a verdict slammed by the Journal’s employers as a “shameful false verdict.”
President Trump has promised that the issue will be a top priority from his first day in office.
“Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison in a Russian court. Biden will never release him unless he pays a ‘king’s ransom.'” Trump roared. “After my victory on November 5th, I will immediately release him free of charge. It would be a great honor for me to do so,” he posted on Truth Social.
“If you vote for Trump, The Wall Street Journal should stop being stupid!” he added.
Gershkovich has already been in Russia for about 16 months, having been held in the country’s notorious Lefortovo prison, which holds serial killers and political prisoners.
Many world leaders and international observers believe the charges against him are trumped up and being used by Russian President Vladimir Putin as political retaliation for U.S. support for Ukraine.
“As I have always said, and as the United Nations has concluded, there is no question that Russia is wrongfully detaining Evan. Journalism is not a crime. We will continue to strongly advocate for press freedom in Russia and around the world, and will stand up to all who seek to attack the press or target journalists,” President Biden said. It said in a statement after Friday’s ruling.
