US calls for immediate release of Gershkovich after Russia seeks to extend detention

U.S. President Joe Biden applauds, as an image of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in Russia in March and charged with espionage, is displayed, during the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington, U.S., April 29, 2023. REUTERS/Al Drago/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States called for the immediate release of detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on Tuesday after Russia's security service sought to extend his detention.

"He shouldn’t be detained at all. Journalism is not a crime. He needs to be released immediately," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told CNN. "We’re still going to work very, very hard to see if we can get him home with his family where he belongs."