In a somber revelation, Tucker Carlson reported the demise of American journalist Gonzalo Lira, who had been held in a Ukrainian prison. Lira, aged 55, passed away, according to a statement from his father, Gonzalo Lira Sr., citing the cause as his son’s detention and alleged mistreatment in connection with his criticism of the Zelensky and Biden governments.
Lira, an American citizen, found himself in the crosshairs of the Ukrainian authorities after being arrested in May and subsequently imprisoned in July. His outspoken reporting on the ground realities in Ukraine marked him as one of the few journalists providing unfiltered insights into the situation.
Despite being largely overlooked by mainstream media, the plight of Gonzalo Lira caught the attention of independent journalist Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk, owner of X. Both had publicly called on Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to clarify the circumstances surrounding Lira’s imprisonment.
The charges against Lira, brought forth by the Ukrainian government in May 2023, accused him of violating sections 2 and 3 of Article 436-2 of Ukraine’s criminal code. These sections prohibit the portrayal of the military conflict in Ukraine as an “internal civil conflict.” Lira faced a potential prison term of up to 13 years.
In a report on December 10, WorldTribune.com highlighted the Biden Administration’s silence on the matter despite questions from reporters. Despite providing substantial financial aid to Ukraine, amounting to over $100 billion since the conflict with Russia began, the Biden Administration refrained from commenting on discussions with the Ukrainian government regarding Lira’s release.
Elon Musk, expressing concern on December 9, questioned the circumstances surrounding the imprisonment of an American citizen in Ukraine, especially considering the substantial financial support extended by the US. He urged Zelensky to shed light on the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency.
In a conversation with Gonzalo Lira Sr. several weeks ago, Tucker Carlson reported the father’s ominous prediction that his son might meet a tragic end. The circumstances surrounding Gonzalo Lira’s death add another layer to the ongoing discourse on press freedom, international relations, and the responsibility of governments in ensuring the safety of individuals expressing their opinions.
Gonzalo Lira, Sr. says his son has died at 55 in a Ukrainian prison, where he was being held for the crime of criticizing the Zelensky and Biden governments. Gonzalo Lira was an American citizen, but the Biden administration clearly supported his imprisonment and torture. Several… https://t.co/F0nOG9qGvv
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) January 12, 2024
