Washington D.C./15.08.23/Turan: The top U.S. diplomat in Russia, Lynne Tracy, on Monday visited Lefortovo prison, notorious for its harsh conditions, to meet with the detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich, the State Department confirmed, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
“Ambassador Tracy said that Evan appears in good health and remains strong, despite his very challenging circumstances,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told a daily briefing when responding to TURAN's questions. "Embassy officials will continue to provide all appropriate support to Evan and his family. And we expect Russian authorities to provide continued consular access," he added.
The Kremlin denied consular access to Gershkovich following his arrest in March on espionage charges, allegations that Washington denies. But Ambassador Tracy has seen the 31-year-old twice before, while Gershkovich awaits a trial that experts suggest will be a sham with a predetermined outcome.
Patel reiterates the U.S. call for both Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, another wrongfully detained U.S. citizen, to be released by the Russians.
Gershkovich is the first American reporter to face espionage charges in Russia since September 1986.
Alex Raufoglu
Politics
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