The funds were released by the administration earlier this year to free five American prisoners. The House of Representatives passed legislation late last week that would require the…
Read MorePrisoners Abroad
Senators Urge President to Refreeze Iran Funds
They claim a significant risk of the wrongful use of funds intended for humanitarian purposes. A group of senators led by Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee have called on…
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U.S. Ambassador Meets with American Imprisoned in Russia
State Department says U.S. Marine veteran was wrongly convicted of espionage. U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy traveled to Mordovia this month, where she was in contact with…
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U.S. Releases Frozen Iranian Funds in Prisoner Swap
Five Iranians held in the U.S. will also be released. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress on Monday that the department has issued a waiver that will…
Read MoreSecretary of State Speaks with American Detained in Russia
Paul Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in prison for alleged spying. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with U.S. citizen and Marine Paul Whelan over the phone…
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State Department Updates Travel Advisory for China
Removes lockdown concerns but warns of wrongful exit detentions. The Department of State updated its travel advisory for the People’s Republic of China (PRC), removing concerns about potential…
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State Department Responds to Russia’s Arrest of Robert Shonov
Russian national accused of illegally collaborating with a foreign state. Robert Shonov is a Russian national who was employed at the U.S. Consulate General in Vladivostok for over…
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“Bring Our Families Home” Advocates for Hostage Deterrence
The group holds an event to encourage additional action from U.S. president. President Joe Biden has been urged to take action to deter foreign governments from holding Americans…
Read MoreU.S. Envoy Visits Reporter Imprisoned in Russia
Russia arrests Wall Street Journal reporter for alleged spying. U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy visited reporter Evan Gershkovich in Moscow’s Lefortovo detention center. Russia’s Federal Security Service…
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State Department Says No Prisoner Swap Deal Made with Iran
Official calls Iranian claims about an agreement a “cruel lie.” President Biden’s administration has made efforts to get American citizens released who being detained in Iran. However, the…
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