Biden vows to push for release of WSJ reporter sentenced in Russia

WASHINGTON

President Joe Biden said the US will push for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after a Russian court sentenced him to 16 years in prison on Friday for espionage charges.

In a statement, Biden said Gershkovich has not committed any crime.

"Rather, he was targeted by the Russian government because he is a journalist and an American. We are pushing hard for Evan’s release and will continue to do so," the US president said.

Biden accused Russian of "wrongfully" detaining the WSJ correspondent, saying journalism is not a crime.

"We will continue to stand strong for press freedom in Russia and worldwide, and stand against all those who seek to attack the press or target journalists," he said.

"Additionally, since the very first day of my Administration, I have had no higher priority than seeking the release and safe return of Evan, Paul Whelan and all Americans wrongfully detained and held hostage abroad," he added.

The Russian prosecutors requested an 18-year sentence in a high-security prison colony, but the judge decided against the maximum term, as reported by the court's press service.

In a separate statement, the Russian Attorney General's Office said Gershkovich was accused of collecting classified information about the defense industry enterprise Uralvagonzavod on behalf of the CIA.

"Illegal actions were committed by him in compliance with careful measures of secrecy," it added.

Gershkovich pleaded not guilty to the charges.