The U.S. ambassador to Russia, Lynne M. Tracy, met with the detained Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich at Lefortovo Prison in Moscow on Monday, according to the State Department.
It was the first time since April 17 that an American diplomatic official had been able to meet with Mr. Gershkovich, who has been held for more than 13 weeks on what American officials have said are bogus allegations of espionage.
Ms. Tracy reported that Mr. Gershkovich was in “good health” and remained “strong, despite his circumstances.” Mr. Gershkovich, 31, has been held since late March at Lefortovo, a high-security jail known for difficult conditions for inmates, including extreme isolation.
The Russian government’s allegations against Mr. Gershkovich have been vehemently rejected by the United States government and The Journal.
The State Department reiterated on Monday that Mr. Gershkovich had been “wrongfully detained” — meaning that the U.S. government considers him to be the equivalent of a political hostage.
Persons:
Lynne M, Tracy, Evan Gershkovich, Gershkovich, Mr, ”
Organizations:
Wall Street, State Department, Mr, United
Locations:
Russia, Moscow, Lefortovo, Russian, United States