While the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner is normally known for its laughs, it was a little more serious this year.
On Saturday night in Washington, President Joe Biden acknowledged the journalists under attack and currently detained around the world, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The WSJ journalist has been imprisoned in Russia since March on espionage charges, which the U.S. Government and his employer strongly deny.
The president also spoke about Austin Tice, who has not been seen or heard from since disappearing at a checkpoint in Syria in 2012.
"Tonight our message is this — journalism is not a crime. Evan and Austin should be released immediately, along with every other American held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad," said President Biden.
The president and First Lady Jill Biden met privately with the Gershkovichs at dinner. Austin's mother Debra Tice also attended the dinner.
SEE MORE: Family of WSJ reporter detained in Russia speaks out for first time
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