Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan are freed in a prisoner swap involving the United States, Russia, and other countries after being wrongfully detained in Russia. The Wall Street Journal celebrates their return after 16 months of efforts to secure their release.
Key Points
Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan freed in a prisoner swap
16 months of efforts by The Wall Street Journal and governments
Celebration of press freedom and the return of wrongfully detained individuals
Pros
Wrongfully detained individuals are freed
Efforts by The Wall Street Journal and governments lead to successful prisoner swap
Celebration of press freedom and justice
Cons
Period of wrongful imprisonment and sham trial
Geopolitical games leading to innocent people being used as pawns