He is the first western journalist detained in Russia since the Soviet era. The US, the Wall Street Journal and Gershkovich have continued to deny the allegations. Ambassador Tracy's meeting on Monday came after a Moscow court had rejected an appeal to free Gershkovich on June 22. Along with Gershkovich, Washington has also been advocating for the release of Paul Whelan, a former US Marine who has been in jail for more than four years, the BBC reported. In December last year, basketball star Brittney Griner was released after being jailed for 10 months following a prisoner swap.

Source: Wall Street Journal July 04, 2023 10:58 UTC