Staff Reports
A dual citizen of Chile and the US, Lira was apprehended in Ukraine this year after he was accused of producing propaganda for Russia on his YouTube channel. He had questioned the narrative of the mainstream media about the war and claimed that NATO and Ukraine were behind the invasion. His controversial views have landed him behind bars.
As the US Congress prepares to give Ukraine another $24 billion in aid, President Biden neglects to mention the case of Gonzalo Lira, who has been unjustly detained in the nation. It is clear that the president values money above people's rights.
The State Department has confirmed that American journalist Gonzalo Lira is currently in Ukraine and is being held on charges of spreading false information about Russia. This alarming development highlights the need for Ukraine to improve its free speech policies.
EXCLUSIVE: American Citizen Journalist Gonzalo Lira Sitting in Ukraine Prison, State Dept. Confirms, as Biden Begs for Billions More to Protect Ukrainian 'Freedom' https://t.co/SRdvdEFjww
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) September 20, 2023
In a desperate attempt to get help, Lira posted a series of messages on social media, stating that he was planning on seeking asylum in Hungary. Unfortunately, he hasn't been heard from since his release. In his final message, he stated that he would die if he didn't make contact with the public.
The charges against him are not related to his alleged ties with the Russian government. They were established solely on his posts on social media. His right to free speech has been violated.
According to him, he has been abused by fellow inmates and that the guards have been outsourcing the torture of prisoners to other inmates. He expressed his disappointment with the lack of assistance from the State Department. He claimed that his case doesn't merit attention because he doesn't fit the stereotype of a typical victim of the US government.
It is appalling that the US government refuses to acknowledge the mistreatment of American citizens detained in Ukraine. This lack of concern undermines the country's commitment to protecting its citizens.
In contrast, the president secured the release of several Americans detained in Iran. He did so even though the US gave up billions of dollars in exchange for their freedom. The priorities of the president seem to be more concerned with appeasing foreign powers than protecting the rights of Americans.
The case of American journalist and dual citizen, Gonzalo Lira, highlights the need for the US government to prioritize the rights and well-being of its citizens regardless of where they are being held. It is imperative that the Biden administration acts quickly to secure his release. Doing anything less would be a setback to the principles of democracy and freedom that the US claims to uphold.
