Janice R. Andrews
Andrews Joint Base, Maryland — After their release in a historic prisoner swap, three Americans who had been held captive in Russia met their loved ones for the first time in months or maybe years on the Joint Base Andrews tarmac. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the families of the three liberated individuals—former US Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal writer Evan Gershkovich, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva—were quite happy to see each other again.
The three Americans were part of a larger group of 24 prisoners who were freed as part of a multi-national, intricate operation that represented the biggest prisoner exchange since the end of the Cold War. But when they return to their regular lives, the happy reunions are only the start of an arduous road.
The Americans Who Were Set Free
The 32-year-old Evan Gershkovich was detained in March 2023 while on a reporting assignment, and a Russian court sentenced him to 16 years in jail last month for espionage. Paul Whelan, 54, was sentenced to 16 years in jail in 2020 on espionage charges. He had been detained in Russia since December 2018 after being arrested in Moscow for a friend’s wedding. Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty based in Prague, was arrested in October 2023 while traveling to see her mother in Russia. She was sentenced to six and a half years in prison last month for allegedly disseminating false information and neglecting to register as a foreign agent.
Initially Thoughts and Assistance
Following their first tearful reunion, the three were transported by air to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where they received more medical attention and assessments. They were greeted by US hostage envoy Roger Carstens, who said, “The next chapter of your journey starts now.”
After being unfairly held, Americans usually take part in a government-run post-isolation program that includes medical and mental health examinations when they go back home. The duration of this program might range from a few days to a few weeks, according to Liz Cathcart, executive director of Hostage US, a nonprofit organization that assists prisoners and hostages. But when the program is over, the real difficulties frequently arise.
Difficulties with Reintegration
Reintegration may be challenging, as former inmates like Matthew Heath, a former US Marine who was held in Venezuela from 2020 to 2022, have attested to. Although he views himself as a success story, Heath, who is currently a private security consultant, pointed out that many returns face challenges including mental illness and job loss. “It totally disrupts your life… it’s incredibly difficult,” Heath stated.
Effects on Mental Health
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a typical outcome of being wrongfully held, but emotional effects occur. The head of the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Arianna Galligher, clarified that symptoms including insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, and increased irritability are common. Accepting a new normal upon returning to one’s home life might provide serious mental health issues.
In a New York Times Magazine story, WNBA player Brittney Griner—who was freed from prison in December 2022 after being held in Russia—spoke about her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Some think it’s acceptable to not feel okay. However, what on earth does that mean? Griner stated, emphasizing the uncertainty and mental anguish that returns frequently experience.
Repairing ties with relatives
Readjusting to family life can be difficult as well. One of the six Citgo Corporation executives who was imprisoned in Venezuela in 2017 and freed in 2022, Jorge Toledo, talked about how hard it was to rebuild his connections with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Toledo remarked of his nearly five years in prison, “It’s a long time.” When family members return, they frequently discover that things have altered dramatically while they were away.
Legal and Financial Obstacles
Detention over an extended period of time can be quite expensive. While Heath was in custody, his family was forced to sell his house, and his accounts were locked. “It’s almost like you’re coming back from the dead,” Heath stated. He had a lot of legal issues, one of which was an outstanding child support amount of almost $40,000. He received assistance from Hostage US in resolving these matters, but many returnees still face considerable obstacles due to the financial and legal difficulties.
Prospects for the Future
Rebuilding their life is now the job facing the returnees. Their future job may look extremely different, especially for journalists such as Kurmasheva and Gershkovich. This change may be emotionally and practically taxing. On the other hand, reintegration may benefit from the resilience acquired throughout incarceration.
Final Thoughts
The happy occasion for the liberated Americans and their loved ones was symbolized by the tearful family reunions at Joint Base Andrews. But when they go on to the next leg of their adventure, they have many difficulties acclimating to life back home. The journey ahead will be difficult, involving everything from mental health effects to mending family connections and getting beyond financial obstacles. Nonetheless, these returnees are not alone in their quest to regain their lives thanks to the assistance of groups like Hostage US and the fortitude they have acquired.
