Friends, family, and colleagues of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, a Bowdoin College alum, celebrated his release from a Russian prison after being sentenced to 16 years for espionage. Gershkovich was part of a multi-prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia in Turkey, which also freed two other American citizens and one American green card holder. The White House confirmed the release, calling it a feat of diplomacy that freed a total of 16 people from Russia, including political prisoners. Gershkovich, who studied philosophy at Bowdoin before pursuing a journalism career, was arrested in Russia while reporting in Yekaterinburg and accused of spying. His arrest was seen as part of a crackdown on journalism by Russian authorities, and the U.S. government rejected the charges against him as fabricated. The Bowdoin community has been actively calling for his release, with friends and supporters expressing relief and joy upon hearing the news. While details of the prisoner swap are still emerging, it is noted that such exchanges can be complex and challenging, as seen in previous cases like American WNBA star Brittany Griner being swapped for a notorious arms dealer. The Bowdoin community, including professors and friends of Gershkovich, have been following his case closely and are celebrating his release as fantastic news.
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