Crapo, Colleagues Write Open Letter of Support for Imprisoned Reporter Evan Gershkovich

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) joined 31 colleagues in writing an open letter to wrongfully detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.  The letter condemns his unjust detention by the Russian government and shows him their support during his wrongful imprisonment.

“We write to express our profound anger and concern over your unjust and wrongful detention in Russia," the Senators wrote.  "We hope you are doing as well as possible under the current circumstances and understand the enormous burden you may feel as the Russian government uses you as a political tool.  We hope this letter makes clear our support and solidarity on your behalf and our desire that you and fellow detainee Paul Whelan are immediately and unconditionally released.  Since your arrest, we have advocated for your release publicly and privately.  We will not stop until you are safely home.  We believe that a free press is crucial to the foundation and support of human rights everywhere.”

“We are fully committed to bringing you, Paul, and every wrongfully detained American home at the earliest opportunity," the Senators continue.  "Every day you spend in Russia is a day too long.  Please know that the support for you and Paul go well beyond the walls of the United States Senate, and that the American people are with us in demanding your release.”

The letter was signed by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Angus King (I-Maine), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut). 

Full text of the letter can be read here.