WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Co-Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Ranking Member Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) celebrated the release of several individuals who were unjustly detained in Russia, including former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, American journalists Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, and Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza.
“Americans are grateful that they are rejoining their families and friends who have fought tirelessly for their safe return,” Chairman Wilson said. “Even as their release is celebrated, it must be acknowledged that they never should have been imprisoned in the first place. It is a travesty that killers and spies are being traded for innocent people. It is critical to continue punishing regimes who engage in the cynical and heinous practice of using sham trials and unjust imprisonments to quash dissent until all wrongfully detained political prisoners and journalists are freed. The role played by our NATO ally Türkiye is appreciated.”
“The return of Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva marks the end of a painful chapter for them and their loved ones, achieved through the tireless efforts of their families and the Biden-Harris administration. Their release highlights our nation’s commitment to bringing Americans home and the resilience of those who fought for their freedom. Equally important is the release of Russian democracy advocates like my friend, Vladimir Kara-Murza, whose reunion with his family symbolizes a victory for those who challenge tyranny and speak truth to power,” said Co-Chairman Cardin. “As we reflect on this welcome announcement, it is essential for Americans, particularly dual citizens, to reconsider travel to Russia to avoid similar risks. We all must continue advocating for the freedom and rights of all unjustly detained individuals worldwide.”
“As the OSCE PA Special Representative for Political Prisoners, I have had the opportunity to get to know the family members and stories of many political prisoners and wrongfully detained journalists,” Ranking Member Cohen said. “Vladimir Kara-Murza is a good friend of mine, and I’m so relieved he can be reunited with his brave wife Evgenia and their three children. These are principled individuals whose only crime was speaking the truth in Putin’s Russia. I am grateful that a years-long nightmare is over for these individuals and their families and will continue fighting until every political prisoner being held unjustly is free.”
“I am encouraged by this news. It is great to see Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, and Alsu Kurmasheva, as well as my good friend, Vladimir Kara-Murza, freed. But there are other Americans, including Marc Fogel, and brave Russians, who remain in Russian captivity,” Ranking Member Wicker said. “They all have demonstrated incredible courage during some of their darkest hours. This exchange speaks volumes about what our two countries value. Vladimir Putin is getting back a crew of thugs, murderers, and low-life criminals. The United States is welcoming home journalists, voices for democracy, and former service members. I applaud our allies, particularly Germany and Turkey, for their efforts on this deal. Our work is not finished, and I will continue using my voice to bring others home.”
On August 1, 2024, it was reported that 26 prisoners from the United States, Russia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus were released in an historic prisoner exchange in Ankara, Turkey. Members of the US Helsinki Commission, including Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen who serves as the OSCE PA Special Representative for Political Prisoners, have been longtime advocates for the release of political prisoners and wrongfully detained journalists in Russia and around the world. The U.S. Helsinki Commission held a hearing on June 13, 2024 attended by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya exploring steps that can be taken to stop the practice of taking political prisoners and calling for the release of all unjustly detained individuals.
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