President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at deterring and punishing wrongful detention of United State citizens abroad by authorizing government agencies to impose sanctions and other measures.
Biden has faced growing pressure from families of hostages and detainees, most recently on the case of super star Brittney Griner, who has been held in Russia since February and on trial on drug charges.
The executive order authorized agencies to impose unspecified costs and consequences, including financial sanctions, on those involved in hostage-taking.
