Wednesday was the six weeks mark since American reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained by Russian security services. About 70 members of Congress signed a letter to the Wall Street Journal reporter. Based at the paper’s Moscow bureau, Gershkovich was arrested at a steakhouse while having dinner in Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip.

The 31 year old is accused of espionage. He was detained on March 29. The letter written by the members of Congress condemns the time stolen from his life as he sits in a Russian prison. They vow to continue advocating for his release.

It was the idea of Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) and the letter was signed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House. The letter expressed their belief in the need for an “unfettered and vibrant press,” including those who work as foreign correspondents. The press, they wrote, helps the public make informed decisions.

“We commend you for your tireless efforts to report on hard-hitting subjects, uncover the truth, and shine a light on the lived experiences of the Russian people,’’ the lawmakers wrote in the letter, which was reviewed by the Journal. “Through your courageous journalistic endeavors, you have eloquently demonstrated how free speech and freedom of the press are the cornerstones of democracy around the world.’’

“Evan, please know the support and advocacy on your behalf extends far beyond the signatories of this letter,” said the letter. “It is clear that Russia has not only violated your basic human rights, but has stolen part of your life since your detention in March.”

The letter will be delivered to the WSJ on Thursday which will arrange for its delivery to Gershkovich in Russia’s Lefortovo prison. As is required, the letter will be translated to Russian. Russian security services will screen the letter before he receives it. Other letter-writing campaigns have been undertaken to get messages to Gershkovich, including those by his friends and colleagues in Russia, as well as by Russian department faculty at U.S. colleges and universities, including his alma mater of Bowdoin College.

The letter notes that “Since 2014, Russia has imprisoned 89 journalists, expelled Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and forcibly shut down independent Russian media in the country.’’

Also happening in the House, there is a resolution under consideration that calls on Russia to release Evan. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is leading that effort with both Republicans and Democrats. Working to help free the WSJ reporter looks like it is a real bipartisan effort, which is refreshing when an American’s freedom (and life) overseas is on the line. Strong support of a resolution could help strengthen the Biden administration’s efforts to get Evan returned home.

“We fully condemn these actions and we will continue to support freedom of the press initiatives in Russia and all other authoritarian states making the same strategic decision,” the letter said.

“We, as Members of Congress, are fully committed to taking action to secure your freedom and that of all Americans wrongfully detained in Russia,” the letter said, while urging Mr. Gershkovich to “please stay strong and know that we will continue to advocate for your swift and immediate release.”

While I applaud any efforts to accomplish the release of an American citizen overseas, it does trouble me that Evan seems to be getting preferential treatment when it comes to support. Is it because he is a journalist? Is it because he is the first journalist detained in Russia since the end of the Cold War so it is a symbolic gesture? Have congressional resolutions been written for other Americans detained in Russia? What about Paul Whelan and Marc Fogel, for example? Brittney Griner was given special treatment to be released because she is a professional basketball player. That’s my opinion, anyway. Fogel is 64 years old, a teacher, and imprisoned on drug charges for possession of marijuana. He uses it for pain, as did Griner, yet he is still in a Russian prison and Griner is free. Whelan is in prison for phony espionage charges, same as Evan, yet he’s been there since 2018 and was left out of the prisoner swap that freed Griner. Why was that? Whelan is a former Marine.

I hope Evan is released quickly, as I do the other Americans. We’ll follow the story.