Coming Home after Being a Hostage Abroad

Commentary by Jason Rezaian

Published August 2, 2024

This commentary was originally published in the Washington Poston August 1, 2024.

I'm thrilled and relieved that Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva, and my Post colleague Vladimir Kara-Murza have been released from Russian prisons. Over the years, I've gotten to know members of the extraordinary families of these brave individuals. This is a moment for them to rejoice and celebrate their loved ones' safe return.

After the euphoria wears off, though, a new set of challenges will inevitably emerge. Having been cut off from society for months or years, the returning hostages will face difficulty returning to ordinary life.

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