As part of the protocol for leaving the Russian prison after his release, Evan Gershkovich was required to fill out an "official request for presidential clemency," which was to be addressed to "Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin." The form "included a long blank space the prisoner could fill out if desired, or simply, as expected, leave blank." That is where the newly freed Gershkovich made his request.
The Wall Street Journal's in-depth account of the negotiations leading to the release of reporter Evan Gershkovich and other Americans from Russian imprisonment has unveiled intimate details of the international drama. The report highlights the role of Gershkovich's mother, Ella Milman, in securing her son's freedom, the complex prisoner swap deal, and Gershkovich's commitment to journalism throughout his ordeal.
One of the most striking revelations is Gershkovich's audacious request to interview Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his release. As part of the protocol for leaving the prison, Gershkovich was required to fill out an official request for presidential clemency, which included a blank space for any additional requests. In this space, Gershkovich penned a proposal for Putin to sit down for an interview.
Evan Gershkovich's Final Request to Putin
This request underscores Gershkovich's unwavering pursuit of truth and his dedication to his craft. Despite being imprisoned for over a year and subjected to solitary confinement in Lefortovo prison, Gershkovich's resolve to report on the realities of Russia did not waver.
The Wall Street Journal's report also provides insights into Gershkovich's daily routine in prison. He spent 23 hours a day in solitary confinement in a 9-foot-by-12-foot cell, with limited contact with the outside world. Despite these harsh conditions, Gershkovich immersed himself in literature, reading works by Vasily Grossman, Leo Tolstoy, and others. He engaged in discussions with his interrogator, Alexei Khizhnyak, discovering shared passions for literature and soccer.
Evan Gershkovich's Final Request to Putin
The report further sheds light on the prisoner swap deal, highlighting the potential involvement of anti-Putin freedom fighter Alexei Navalny in earlier versions of the plan. However, Navalny's untimely death in a Russian prison camp ultimately excluded him from the final agreement.
Overall, the Wall Street Journal's account offers a comprehensive and poignant narrative of Evan Gershkovich's imprisonment, his indomitable spirit, and the complex diplomatic maneuvers that led to his release. Gershkovich's request to interview Putin serves as a testament to his unwavering pursuit of journalism and the importance of holding those in power accountable.
Evan Gershkovich's Final Request to Putin
