Evan Gershkovich's Parents Invited to State of the Union Amid His Detention in Russia

The parents of the jailed Wall Street Journal reporter will attend the event as guests of House Speaker Mike Johnson, highlighting the ongoing efforts to secure his release.

• Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been detained in Russia for nearly a year on espionage charges, which he and the U.S. government deny.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson invites Gershkovich's parents to the State of the Union, aiming to spotlight his unjust detention and advocate for freedom of the press.
• The Biden administration has designated Gershkovich as wrongfully detained, but negotiations for his release have been unsuccessful so far.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended the imprisonment, suggesting willingness to negotiate terms for Gershkovich's release through special services channels.
• The case draws attention to the broader issue of press freedom and the detention of journalists worldwide, with Gershkovich's situation being a focal point at the upcoming State of the Union.

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