Sherman Statement on Release of Americans Freed from Russian Prison

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on the United States and Russia completing the biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan in a multinational deal:

"President Joe Biden's multilateral efforts to secure the release of Gershkovich, Whelan, Kara-Murza and others is nothing short of a diplomatic feat. The key role our allies played in freeing these Americans demonstrates the importance of rebuilding our alliances. Now we need to focus on getting Pakistan to release Dr. Afridi who has been in prison since 2012. Dr Afridi played a critical role in helping us get Osama bin Laden. Dr. Afridi has done more for America than any other foreign citizen since Marquis de Lafayette."

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