The recent release of former US Marine Paul Wheelan and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva from captivity in Russia has shed light on the plight of other Americans held abroad. While the US government celebrates their return, there are still dozens of Americans unjustly detained in 16 countries around the world.
According to data from the James W Foley Legacy Foundation, more than 40 Americans are currently being held abroad, many of them after sham trials. The majority of these cases involve wrongful detention by state actors like China, Iran, or Russia, while the rest are hostage cases by non-state actors such as Hamas.
Among the Americans still being held in Russia is Ksenia Karelina, a 32-year-old amateur ballerina and spa employee from California. She was arrested on treason charges in February, allegedly stemming from a small donation to a charity that buys gear for Ukrainian emergency workers. Despite the recent prisoner swap between the US and Russia, Karelina was not included, leaving her boyfriend disappointed and hopeful for her eventual release.
In Syria, freelance journalist and former US Marine Austin Tice has been missing since 2012 and is believed to be held by the Syrian government. US officials have maintained that Tice is being held against his will, making him the longest-held US journalist in history.
In China, Texas businessman Mark Swidan has been imprisoned on drug charges since 2012, despite a UN review finding that he was not in the country at the time of his alleged crime. His family fears for his mental and physical well-being, alleging that he has been tortured while in custody.
In Afghanistan, New York native Ryan Corbett was arrested after returning to the country in 2022 and has not been charged with a crime. His family has expressed concerns about his deteriorating mental state and called for action to bring him home.
The White House has stated that they are actively working to secure the release of Americans held abroad, including individuals like Marc Fogel, who is serving a 14-year prison sentence in Russia. As the US continues its efforts to bring these Americans home, the families and loved ones of those detained abroad remain hopeful for their safe return.
