Washington, 19 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) — US President Joe Biden sharply criticized the 16-year sentence for US reporter Evan Gershkovich, imposed on Friday by a Russian court, saying Gershkovich was targeted by Russia "because he is a journalist and an American."

Biden, in a statement released by the White House, said the reporter had "committed no crime," adding that the US government will continue to fight for the Wall Street Journal reporter's release as well as for all US citizens unlawfully detained abroad.

"Journalism is not a crime," Biden said, adding that both he and the United Nations have said that Russia is wrongfully detaining the reporter.

"We will continue to stand strong for press freedom in Russia and worldwide, and stand against all those who seek to attack the press or target journalists," the US president added.

Earlier in the week, Biden tested positive for Covid-19, the White House said.

The positive test came as Biden, who is seeking re-election in November, was campaigning in Nevada.

Biden, 81, last tested positive for Covid-19 two years ago. At the time, he only suffered from mild symptoms, according to the White House.

Due to his advanced age, the US president is considered to be at higher risk of becoming severely ill from Covid-19.

Wednesday's positive test is almost certain to fuel the current debate on Biden's health, especially following his disastrous debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump last month.

A number of Democrats have already publicly called on Biden to step aside, voicing concerns he may not be fit enough to run for a second term.

Emerging evidence suggests that the risk of new-onset dementia after Covid in older adults (age 60+) — from a systematic review of 11 studies vs. controls — increases around 60 percent. After severe Covid, the risk increases 17 times, according to experts.