U.S. doesn't know how Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia is being treated, official says
CBSN
The United States doesn't "have a sense" of how Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is being treated in Russia, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens said on "CBS Mornings" Wednesday.
Carstens said officials have not been able to meet with Gershkovich or gain consular access to him. However, the decision this week to label Gershkovich a "wrongfully detained" American citizen "brings to bear more tools" that the government can use to effect his release, Carstens said.
"Now that he is wrongfully detained, we start to work on negotiating strategies and working with the Russians to find Evan's release and not only Evan, but Paul Whelan as well," Carstens said. Whelan has been in Russian custody for nearly five years.
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