The newspaper denied the allegations and demanded the immediate release of "trusted and dedicated reporter" Evan Gershkovich. The White House said the State Department was in direct contact with the Russian government over his detention and urged U.S. citizens living or travelling in Russia to depart immediately.
"We condemn the detention of Mr. Gershkovich in the strongest terms," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. "We also condemn the Russian government’s continued targeting and repression of journalists and freedom of the press."
Gershkovich, a 31-year-old who has worked in Russia as a journalist for six years, is the highest-profile American arrested there since basketball star Brittney Griner, who was freed in December after 10 months in jail on drugs charges.
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former US President Donald Trump against the New...
