Biden Says He Hopes To Meet With Parents Of Trevor Reed, Former Marine Detained In Russia

Topline

President Joe Biden told reporters Wednesday he intends to meet with the parents of Trevor Reed, who were protesting outside the White House to call attention to the Marine veteran’s imprisonment in Russia.

Joey and Paula Reed, the parents of Trevor Reed, a Marine veteran who is currently detained in a … [+] Russian prison, protest outside the White House on Wednesday.

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Key Facts

Reed, who was sentenced by a Moscow judge to nine years in prison in 2020 under disputed charges, is on day three of a hunger strike from his Russian jail cell, his parents Joey and Paula Reed announced Tuesday, protesting what he believes to be improper treatment of a possible tuberculosis infection.

Biden said Wednesday he thinks Reed’s parents are “good people,” and he told them in a phone call March 8 he thinks about their son nearly every day and said the rosary for him during a trip to Fort Worth, Reed’s hometown.

Key Background

After Reed was convicted in July 2020 of assaulting Russian police officers in a drunken incident he said he didn’t remember, U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said the case was “ridiculous” and “absurd.” Russia is also holding two other Americans: WNBA star Britney Griner, who was detained last month, and fellow former Marine Paul Whelan, who was detained in December 2018. The State Department has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Russia, warning U.S. citizens that authorities are “singling out” Americans for detention.

Crucial Quote

“We believe the president is the only person who can save our son’s life. The time is now to bring home Trevor, Paul Whelan and Britney Griner,” Joey and Paula Reed said in a Tuesday statement.

Topline

Key Facts

Key Background

Crucial Quote

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