The Facts
In making his first remarks on the case, US Pres. Joe Biden on Friday called on Russia to release Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter arrested on espionage charges earlier this week.
Earlier in the day, White House Press Sec. Karine Jean-Pierre described the charges against Gershkovich as "ridiculous." She added: "The targeting of American citizens by the Russian government is unacceptable. We condemn the detention of Mr. Gershkovich in the strongest terms."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Russia's arrest of a respected US reporter on charges of espionage is ludicrous. It's doing this to further stifle any critical reporting on Russia while seeking to use the reporter as a bargaining chip for future prisoner swaps, just as it did with WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Establishment-critical narrative
In calling for the release of journalists abroad while continuing to seek the prosecution of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, the Biden administration is engaging in rank hypocrisy. The US must drop this prosecution if it's to meaningfully call for the release of other journalists elsewhere.
Pro-Russia narrative
The Wall Street Journal reporter was caught red-handed trying to find Russian military secrets on behalf of the US. This is a clear-cut case of espionage, and his arrest by Russian authorities was warranted.
