Today, U. S. citizen Trevor Reed was convicted in a Russian court following a trial in which the prosecution’s case and the evidence presented against Mr. Reed were so preposterous that they provoked laughter in the courtroom. Even the judge laughed.
This conviction, and a sentence of nine years, for an alleged crime that so obviously did not occur, is ridiculous. I cannot even say “miscarriage of justice” because clearly “justice” was not even considered. This was theater of the absurd.
U.S. consular officers have attended each of Mr. Reed’s court appearances, and have been in touch with him regularly. I have spoken and met with Mr. Reed’s father, Joey Reed, multiple times as this case has unfolded. In fact, I spoke with him this afternoon, and I assured him that we will not rest until Trevor is freed and returns home to the United States.
As the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, I will continue to advocate on Trevor’s behalf. His safety and welfare – and that of all U.S. citizens in Russia – is my highest priority.
