Newsman: US officials have described Russia’s espionage allegations against the journalist as “ridiculous” and “absolutely ludicrous.” American journalist Evan Gershkovich is being held in Russia’s Lefortovo prison in Moscow in espionage allegations.
US President Joe Biden’s administration is working to secure a meeting with detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich.
“We have not been able to achieve consular access and nobody from our embassy has been able to meet with him,” John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, told CNN’s Bianna Golodryga on Friday. “We are continuing to work on that, of course, and will until we can get that consular access to ascertain for ourselves how he’s doing.”
“This is not the time for Americans to be in Russia. If you’re in Russia now — whether it’s on business or leisure, whatever kind of travel — you need to leave now,” Kirby said. “This is not a good place for you to be in Russia, even if you are a working journalist. Russia is a hostile environment for American citizens right now. And it’s time to go if you’re there.”
The US has previously warned US citizens against traveling to Russia. Kirby emphasized Friday that those recommendations apply even to journalists working in the country.
