Musk demands action form Biden, Zelensky over American reporter imprisoned by Ukraine
Date
12/11/2023 2:31:57 AM
(MENAFN) In a recent development, Elon Musk has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express concerns and seek intervention from both United States President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding the case of Gonzalo Lira, a United States-Chilean journalist currently detained in Ukraine. Lira, known for his critical views on the Kiev government, has been held since the summer, awaiting trial for what his father claims is an exercise of freedom of speech.
In an interview with Political commentator Tucker Carlson, Gonzalo Lira Senior revealed that his son, an American passport holder, is facing trial without substantial assistance from the local United States embassy. Lira is reportedly being represented by a court-appointed Ukrainian lawyer who lacks proficiency in the English language. Musk expressed incredulity over the situation, questioning how an American citizen could be in prison in Ukraine when substantial financial support has been sent to Kiev, particularly in light of the conflict with Russia.
Musk raised concerns about the possibility of more to the story than mere criticism of President Zelensky, emphasizing the gravity of the situation if Lira's detention is solely due to expressing dissenting opinions. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO urged Zelensky to "please educate the American people about this matter," drawing attention to the need for transparency and information dissemination.
In a subsequent post, Musk directly addressed President Biden, seeking clarification on the status of the American journalist. The plea for action underscores the potential implications of the case on freedom of speech and the treatment of foreign journalists in Ukraine. As the situation unfolds, Musk's involvement adds a notable voice to the call for justice and transparency in the handling of this sensitive matter.
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