– We have been quite clear that Russia has arrested Americans on insufficient criminal grounds in order to in practice hold them hostage, and exchange them in prisoner exchanges. That is one of the reasons why we are so crystal clear that Americans should not travel to Russia for any reason, says spokesperson Matthew Miller at the US State Department.
Miller does not want to comment directly on the two who ended up in Russian cells this week.
One of those arrested is soldier Gordon Black (34). He really is stationedTo be placed in a particular place for work, often used of military personnel. in South Korea, and was arrested at the weekend in the city of Vladivostok.
According to US military spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith, Black traveled through China to Vladivostok for personal reasons. The trip was not approved by the US Department of Defense, she adds.
Also read: Putin hints at prisoner exchange with Russian killer
Irinia Sirova of the local police in Vladivostok says, according to The New York Times, that a 32-year-old woman reported him for stealing money after a disagreement between the two.
He is said to have met the woman in South Korea and visited her in Russia on April 10, according to Sirova.
The Russian state news agency Ria reports that the man was arrested in Vladivostok, and that he will remain in custody until 2 July. Ria quotes the court’s press office as saying that the American’s name is Gordon Black.
Found naked
In another case, an American civilian has been arrested in Moscow. The man has been identified as William Russel Nycum and has been given a prison sentence of ten days and a fine, according to the judiciary in Moscow.
The man is said to have been found outdoors, naked and under the influence of alcohol.
– The incident showed obvious disrespect towards the community, its citizens and public order, the court documents state.
The US embassy in Moscow tells Reuters that it is aware of the arrests of the two Americans.
– The embassy always tries to assist citizens as best we can, but due to personal protection we cannot comment further, says a spokesperson for the embassy.
More imprisoned Americans
The arrests come less than a year after American soldier Travis King ran into North Korea from South Korea. He was later returned to the United States and charged with possession desertedLeaving one’s post in the military without permission, which is illegal..
Several Americans are imprisoned in Russia, including Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan. The United States believes both are imprisoned on false grounds and has negotiated to have them released.
Also read: Clearing the front page for a jailed journalist: – His article should have been here
