An American political commentator says there are dozens of Russians who have committed no crimes but they are languishing in US prisons.
Stephen Lendman, a writer, syndicated columnist, peace activist and radio show host, made the remarks in a phone interview with Press TV on Saturday while commenting on a new travel warning issued by Russia’s Foreign Ministry.
On Friday, the ministry warned Russians traveling abroad of the risks posed by US intelligence agents, which it said were “hunting” for Russians around the world.
“The American authorities continue the unacceptable practice of ‘hunting’ for Russians all over the world, ignoring the norms of international laws and twisting the arms of other states,” it said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the United States of abducting Russian citizens. "By believing that it is allowed to do all it wants, Washington goes as far as kidnapping our citizens.”
Lendman said that “doing this is absolutely illegal. It is in violation of international laws.”
“But they are Russians, about dozens of them I believe, that are languishing in US prisons right now, who have committed no crimes whatsoever,” he added.
“They are given minimal or no consular services from Russia. They are literally thrown into prison for various prison terms, in some cases long-term. They are absolutely innocent of any crimes,” he continued.
“This is part of America’s anti-Russian agenda,” Lendman stated.
Relations between the United States and Russia are at their lowest point since the end of the Cold War in 1991, largely due to the crisis in Ukraine.
The bilateral ties deteriorated after US-backed forces ousted the Ukraine’s elected president Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014.
The US and its allies accuse Moscow of sending troops into eastern Ukraine in support of the pro-Russian forces. Moscow has long denied involvement in Ukraine's crisis.
Moscow says Washington is responsible for the escalating tension in Ukraine through sending arms in support of the Ukrainian army.
Lendman said some people mistakenly think the United States is changing its attitude towards Russia for the better.
“When you see reports, and I have seen good many of them, including by some people I respect, who think that maybe Washington is turning over a new leaf with regard to its relation with Russia,” he said.
“And I always say the same thing when I hear things like this, whether it’s regard to this issue or something else: ‘Ignore the rhetoric and follow the policies.’
“The policies would tell you what a government is doing or not doing, but the rhetoric is meaningless. Officials can say anything and they can do something else.
“And this is especially true when it comes to the policies and rhetoric etc. of America and of Israel and of their rogue partners. And I can certainly name a few of them.”
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