The Wall Street Journal recently marked a momentous occasion, as they welcomed back their reporter Evan Gershkovich, who endured nearly 500 harrowing days in captivity due to wrongful imprisonment in Russia since last March.
Gershkovich, along with fellow American Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, and green card holder Vladimir Kara-Murza, are returning home following a significant political prisoner exchange involving the U.S., Russia, and other nations. Over the past 16 months, the WSJ has tirelessly advocated for Gershkovich’s release, and the newsroom finally gathered to celebrate this moment on Thursday.
“Today is filled with joy for Evan’s family, friends, and colleagues who have supported him throughout this challenging period. It’s a day of celebration for the millions of supporters in the U.S. and internationally who championed the ideals of a free press alongside Evan,” expressed Emma Tucker, editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal.
“It’s also a moment of joy for the families and friends of other wrongfully detained Americans and German nationals who are now safely home, as well as for the Russian political prisoners who were part of this exchange,” Tucker added. “The predictable aspect of this swap involved trading for Russian operatives accused of serious offenses, which reflects President Putin’s cynical approach to diplomacy.”
WSJ REPORTER EVAN GERSHKOVICH RELEASED BY RUSSIA IN PRISONER SWAP; PAUL WHELAN ALSO BEING FREED
Evan Gershkovich was freed from Russia in a prisoner swap and is seen on an aircraft on Thursday, August 1. (Russian TV)
Tucker expressed her gratitude to President Biden and his administration for their “persistent efforts to secure Evan’s release rather than have him sent to a Russian labor camp for charges he didn’t commit.”
Gershkovich, 32, was taken into custody on March 29, 2023, while covering a story in Yekaterinburg, and faced accusations of espionage. The Biden administration labeled his detention as “wrongful,” a stance echoed by both The Wall Street Journal and the U.S. government. He ultimately faced a “sham” trial, which resulted in a 16-year sentence at a high-security facility.
“We are also deeply appreciative of the other nations that played a role in ending Evan’s harrowing experience, especially the German government for their significant involvement,” Tucker stated.
“The U.S. government, along with us, recognizes that the solution to halting the cycle of unjustly imprisoning innocent individuals as pawns in geopolitical conflicts lies in eliminating the incentives for countries like Russia that practice such despicable tactics,” Tucker elaborated. “Evan’s ordeal, along with the experiences of other returnees—particularly those still wrongfully held worldwide—underscores the urgent need for a shift in this dynamic to protect against future hostage situations.”
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Name Tucker stated that the WSJ plans to honor the return of Gershkovich.
“While we’ve awaited this monumental day, we committed to amplifying our efforts on Evan’s behalf. We are immensely grateful for every voice raised during his silence. We can now joyfully unite to say, ‘Welcome home, Evan’,” she noted.
The newsroom at the Journal erupted in cheers upon hearing the news.
“It has been a privilege to connect with Evan’s family—Ella, Mikhail, Danielle, and Anthony—and we have admired their strength, grace, and wisdom during these tough times. We can share in their joy and relief as they welcome back their beloved son and brother,” she added.
On the same day, his family, along with other relatives of freed Americans, gathered with President Biden at the White House for the announcement of the swap.
“This is a tremendous relief for all the families present here,” he remarked. “It brings relief to friends and colleagues nationwide who have been hoping for this day for quite some time.”
EVAN GERSHKOVICH MARKS ONE YEAR IMPRISONED IN RUSSIA AS FRIENDS CAN ONLY WAIT FOR ‘NIGHTMARE’ TO END
Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Paul Whelan smile aboard an airplane after being freed from Russian custody in a historic prisoner exchange on Thursday, August 1, 2024. (U.S. Government)
Tucker expressed appreciation for everyone involved in bringing Gershkovich home and acknowledged those who kept his story in public consciousness.
“My deepest gratitude, however, must go to Evan himself,” Tucker remarked. “The unjust charges against him symbolized many issues: an assault on press freedom, a cautionary message to foreign journalists covering the Kremlin, and rising tensions in U.S.-Russia relations. At the center of this was Evan, our 32-year-old Moscow correspondent from New Jersey who enjoys cooking, cheers for Arsenal Football Club, and loved living in and reporting from Russia.”
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Tucker hailed Gershkovich as an “inspiration” and a “catalyst” throughout this troubling ordeal.
“With Evan now home, we are committed to providing him ample time and space to recover, rebuild connections, and reflect on his future,” she concluded. “We stand with him and his family during this time and eagerly await his return to the newsroom when he feels ready.”
Fox News Digital’s David Rutz contributed to this report.
