(The Guardian) Biden hails release of American hostage in Afghanistan
Joe Biden has cheered Mark Frerichs’ release from Taliban captivity in Afghanistan, saying it underscores his administration’s commitment to winning the freedom of Americans detained overseas.
Here’s the full statement from the White House: Today, we have secured the release of Mark Frerichs, and he will soon be home. Mark was taken in Afghanistan in January, 2020 and held for 31 months. His release is the culmination of years of tireless work by dedicated public servants across our government and other partner governments, and I want to thank them for all that effort. I spoke with Mark’s sister today to share the good news and express how happy I am for Mark’s family. Bringing the negotiations that led to Mark’s freedom to a successful resolution required difficult decisions, which I did not take lightly. Our priority now is to make sure Mark receives a healthy and safe return and is given the space and time he needs to transition back into society. My Administration continues to prioritize the safe return of all Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, and we will not stop until they are reunited with their families. We have much more work to do in many other cases, but Mark’s release demonstrates our enduring commitment. Like our work to free Americans held in Burma, Haiti, Russia, Venezuela, and elsewhere, it is our duty to do all we can to bring our people home.
Biden has faced particular pressure to end the detentions of WNBA star Brittney Griner and business executive Paul Whelan, both of whom have been held by Russia as it pursues its war in Ukraine.
Joe Biden has cheered Mark Frerichs’ release from Taliban captivity in Afghanistan, saying it underscores his administration’s commitment to winning the freedom of Americans detained overseas.
Here’s the full statement from the White House: Today, we have secured the release of Mark Frerichs, and he will soon be home. Mark was taken in Afghanistan in January, 2020 and held for 31 months. His release is the culmination of years of tireless work by dedicated public servants across our government and other partner governments, and I want to thank them for all that effort. I spoke with Mark’s sister today to share the good news and express how happy I am for Mark’s family. Bringing the negotiations that led to Mark’s freedom to a successful resolution required difficult decisions, which I did not take lightly. Our priority now is to make sure Mark receives a healthy and safe return and is given the space and time he needs to transition back into society. My Administration continues to prioritize the safe return of all Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, and we will not stop until they are reunited with their families. We have much more work to do in many other cases, but Mark’s release demonstrates our enduring commitment. Like our work to free Americans held in Burma, Haiti, Russia, Venezuela, and elsewhere, it is our duty to do all we can to bring our people home.
Biden has faced particular pressure to end the detentions of WNBA star Brittney Griner and business executive Paul Whelan, both of whom have been held by Russia as it pursues its war in Ukraine.
