Washington D.C., August 1, 2024 – In a landmark agreement between Russia, the United States, and several other nations, including Germany and Turkey, a number of unlawfully detained citizens have been released from Russian prisons. Among those freed are Americans Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva, as well as US LPR & British national Vladimir Kara Murza.
The sweeping deal involved numerous prisoners and at least six countries, which came together after months of negotiations between the U.S., Russia and Germany, whose prisoner, Russian hit man Vadim Krasikov, emerged as the vital cornerstone to the arrangement.
Paul Whelan is a former U.S. Marine unlawfully detained since December 2018 on alleged espionage charges and who was left behind in previous prisoner swaps with Russia;
Evan Gershkovich is a journalist for The Wall Street Journal, unlawfully detained since March 2023 on false espionage charges;
Alsu Kurmasheva is an RFERL journalist, unlawfully held since June 2023 under false charges of spreading false information about the Russian army;
Vladimir Kara Murza is a pro-democracy activist unlawfully detained since April 2022 on charges of disseminating “fake news” about the Russian army and high treason.
Hostage Aid Worldwide highly commends President Biden and all those involved in completing this crucial swap. This significant achievement highlights the administration’s unwavering commitment to securing the release of Americans unjustly detained abroad.
Nizar Zakka, President of Hostage Aid Worldwide, expressed his enthusiasm and relief on the successful swap: “Today, we celebrate the long-overdue freedom of American nationals Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara Murza. These individuals were held unjustly, enduring unimaginable hardships. Their release is a testament to the tireless efforts of their families, advocates, and the U.S. government. Hostage Aid has been urging countries to unite and work together to bring innocent people home and it is very encouraging to see that such a collaboration now between 7 countries has yielded the desired results and brought unlawfully detained citizens home.”
Hostage Aid Worldwide will continue to advocate for the freedom of all who are unjustly detained abroad, and today, as we rejoice with these families, we urge the US government to continue working on bringing all remaining Americans wrongfully held abroad home.
