Mr. Gershkovich was handed out a 16-year sentence in July 2024, to be served at a penal colony. His death in February sparked fears that the plan to secure Mr. Gershkovich would come undone, but his mother Ella’s lobbying made sure that did not happen. Mr. Gershkovich, the American-born son of Soviet-Jewish parents, worked as a cook before becoming a journalist. His resilience is best echoed through his message for the Russian President in his clemency letter. Mr. Gershkovich asked Mr. Putin if he would be willing to sit down for an interview after his release.

Source: The Hindu August 04, 2024 18:08 UTC