August 1, 2024
Today, their agony is over.
President Biden on the release of several Americans the United States considered “unjustly imprisoned” in Russia in a massive prisoner exchange involving several countries.
Why It Matters: The diplomatic deal (currently void of on-the-record details) freed 24 people in total in what’s being described as the “the largest and most complex East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.“ Americans included in the release: Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich (held more than a year and convicted on espionage charges) as well as American Paul Whelan (held and convicted on spy charges, behind bars for more than 5 years). The deal included several Germans and Russian political prisoners.
The president did not confirm the nature of the prisoner swap – but The Associated Press and others suggest several Russians held in Europe and in the United States were freed including a convicted assassin held in Germany, a cyber criminal held in the United States and an arrested Russian spy held in Poland.
While many celebrate this release, some suggest this sets a bad precedent:
“Amnesty International says it’s relieved by the release of prisoners held by Russia, but the exchange leaves “a bitter aftertaste.”
The deputy secretary general of Amnesty’s German branch, Christian Mihr, said in a statement that “a murderer and other criminals who were convicted in a fair trial are now coming free in exchange for people who only used their right to freedom of expression.”
He said that “therefore, the prisoner swap is also a step toward expanding impunity.” He argued that the Russian government could feel encouraged to carry out further political detentions and human rights violations without having to fear consequences.” (AP)
Shortly after speaking on the release, President Biden posted this statement on X: “Today, we remember all those still wrongfully detained or held hostage around the world. And reaffirm our pledge to their families: We see you. We are with you. And we will never stop working to bring your loved ones home where they belong.”
An interview we filmed with the sister of Evan Gershkovich on his detainment
by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
