House Votes Unanimously Demanding Russia Release Princeton's Gershkovich

PRINCETON, NJ — U.S. House Representatives including Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted in favor of a resolution calling for the immediate release of Princeton native Evan Gershkovich.

Gershkovich, 31, a journalist with the Wall Street Journal was detained by Russia in March on charges of espionage.

On Tuesday, the House approved the resolution 422-0, calling on Russia to “immediately release” Gershkovich.

In a statement, the Congresswoman said the continued detention of Gershkovich was “completely unacceptable” and must end.

“He must be swiftly and safely returned to his family. I'm working with my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation and the Administration to ensure Mr. Gershkovich’s release,” Watson Coleman said. “I have full faith in the State Department to advocate for Evan and other innocent Americans being detained and bring an end to this egregious behavior that puts the Russian Federation outside international norms and further isolates them from the world community of nations. The detention of journalists anywhere is an affront to freedom and human rights.”

In April, a Russian judge denied an appeal to change the detention terms for Gershkovich. Earlier they gave him his first consular access, by allowing U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy to visit him at Moscow’s Lefortovo Prison.

U.S. consular officials were initially refused access to Gershkovich.

Since February, the State Department has had a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Russia for American citizens due the increased potential for harassment by government officials, the risk of detention and arbitrary enforcement of local law and the limited ability of the Embassy to assist U.S. citizens in Russia.

If found guilty of spying, Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com