Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Release of Evan Gershkovich

Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Release of Evan Gershkovich

The 12th District native was released after 16 months following a multi-nation prisoner swap

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich:

It is wonderful to see the release of journalist and Princeton native Evan Gershkovich, along with several other American citizens wrongfully detained overseas. I join all of America in welcoming Evan home after a grueling 16 months of unjustified imprisonment in Russia. A graduate of Princeton High School, Evan is a beloved former resident of New Jersey's 12th Congressional District and we are so relieved he is safely on his way home.

In March of 2023, Evan was on assignment in the city of Yekaterinburg and was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service and falsely accused of espionage. After a rushed sham trial, Evan was sentenced to 16 years in Russian prison last month.

Journalism is not a crime. Evan's false conviction is proof of the vicious threats to free speech in Russia and the dangers that international journalists face when they report on corrupt regimes. I strongly condemn the Russian government's treatment of Evan and other wrongfully detained Americans.

It is an immense relief that those unjustly imprisoned will be reunited with their loved ones. I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, the State Department, and our international allies for working to ensure the success of this prisoner swap and bringing Evan home!