- Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was designated as 'wrongfully detained' by the State Department after being arrested by Russian security services on accusations of espionage.
- The designation unlocks resources to free detainees, including negotiating for their release, monitoring intelligence, building diplomatic coalitions, and exerting media pressure.
- The Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will handle Gershkovich's case and that of other Americans classified as wrongfully detained in foreign countries.
- The speedy designation is unprecedented and was made even before Gershkovich was able to meet with American consular officials.
- The US government and the Journal deny the accusation of espionage and call for Gershkovich's immediate release.
U.S. Deems WSJ Reporter Evan Gershkovich ‘Wrongfully Detained’ by Russia
Official designation enables U.S. to press a foreign government, unlocks other resources to free detainee
Vivian Salama
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