2023-04-30 06:32:22
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, asked this Saturday during the White House correspondents’ dinner for the release of American reporters imprisoned in different parts of the world and, in a serious tone, proclaimed: “Journalism is not a crime.”
Biden began his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with words of encouragement for the families of journalists Evan Gershkovich, who has been in custody in Russia since late March on espionage charges, and Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in August 2012 while covering the war in that country.
“Our message is that journalism is not a crime. Evan and Justin should be released immediately with all other Americans who are detained or have been held hostage,” he proclaimed.
The president was paying tribute individually to the families of the detained journalists and who were among the public. First, he addressed the relatives of Gershkovich, a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal who could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of espionage.
“We are working every day so that he can be released. We are looking for any opportunity and using all the tools at our disposal. Please keep the faith,” the president asked Gershkovich’s family.
“And,” Biden then added, “keep the faith for Austin Rice. His mother Debra is here with us.”
At that moment, Debra Tice rose to her feet and the audience erupted in applause to honor her son, a former Marine who decided to travel to Syria in 2012 to cover the war and disappeared in August, just as he was planning to leave the country via the border with Lebanon.
Biden asked the families of the journalists and those who have loved ones detained abroad not to lose hope.
“I promise you that I am working like crazy to bring you home. As a nation, we must never give up hope that things can get better, that things can change,” he said.
Biden then referred to basketball player Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia for entering the country with cannabis oil and was released in December 2022 when Washington exchanged her for the arms dealer known as the “merchant of death”, Víktor But, who was imprisoned in the United States.
Griner, who was in the audience, rose to overwhelming applause from the audience, and as Biden praised her, she repeated silently, “Thank you, thank you.”
The tribute to the Americans imprisoned abroad took place during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a tradition that dates back to 1924 and in which presidents usually deliver a speech to recognize the work of the journalists who cover them.
Presidents’ speeches are often humorous. Biden began with a more somber tone, but as the speech progressed he began making jokes about the Republican opposition in Congress, former President Donald Trump (2017-2021) and even about his age.
At 80, Biden is the oldest president in US history and, if he wins re-election in 2024, he will leave the White House at 86.
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