US Ambassador Visits Imprisoned WSJ Reporter in Russia.
US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy visited imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was wrongfully detained by Russia on espionage charges since March 2022. Tracy's visit marked the first time embassy officials were allowed to meet Gershkovich in person. The US and more than 40 countries signed a statement denouncing Gershkovich's arrest and calling for his release and the end of Russia's clampdown on freedom of expression in the country. Russia has faced widespread backlash for the arrest of Gershkovich, which marked a continuation of the Kremlin's crackdown on independent media, human rights organizations, and general freedom of speech and dissent within the country.