A new order by US President Joe Biden allows government agencies to impose financial sanctions or travel bans on foreign officials or non-state actors involved in the unjust detention of Americans.
The US government has been accused of inaction in some cases, especially by some families who want to bring their loved ones home. Such as Britney Greiner The case of the American basketball player, two-time Olympic champion, whose detention in Russia attracted increased attention.
Recently adopted decree on hostage recovery and accountability for hostage taking Robert Levinson’s Law It is based on a department named after a retired FBI agent who disappeared in Iran 15 years ago and is now presumed dead. It authorizes the president to impose sanctions, including visa revocation, on individuals believed to be involved in the unlawful detention of Americans.
Another element of the order directs federal agencies to better share information and intelligence with families of detainees about the current status of their cases and efforts to bring their loved ones home.
They warn of new danger indicators
In addition, the Washington State Department is adding a new risk indicator to country-specific travel advisories to alert travelers to countries at increased risk of detention.
The department has already used foreign travel risk indicators for the crime, healthcare, and kidnapping categories, among other things. The new danger indicator – which will be given a “D” symbol for detention – is currently being applied to the following countries: Myanmar, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela.
Relatives of American prisoners gathered in Washington this week to unveil a mural honoring the prisoners. Administration officials did not say whether Biden would meet with the families.
Jonathan Franks, a spokesperson for the Bringing Our Families Home Campaign, which represents the interests of hostages and detainees, wrote in a statement that:
Families are still waiting for a response to their request to meet with President Biden.
The White House, instead of having meaningful discussions with families, is taking executive action, Franks said, MTI wrote.
