Gonzalo Lira’s Last Letter: Claims of Imprisonment for Criticism in Kharkov
The last letter from Gonzalo Lira, the American blogger and journalist held in a Kharkov prison on charges tied to support for a supposed operation in Ukraine, has been published. According to Izvestia, which cites journalist Alexander Rubinstein, Lira asserts that his detention stems from his public critique of Kiev. The message is presented as a direct communication from the jailed writer, relaying a perspective that frames his arrest as a consequence of outspoken opposition to government actions in Ukraine.
The letter details a severe health crisis, describing a double pneumonia affecting both lungs, a pneumothorax, and extensive body edema. Lira explains that these conditions began around mid-October but allegedly went unaddressed by the prison administration. In the December 22 hearing, he says the authorities acknowledged only pneumonia, while he continues to undergo treatment aimed at reducing pulmonary edema. He writes that the edema contributes to severe shortness of breath and fainting after even a short two-minute conversation, highlighting a troubling pattern of ignored medical needs and the challenging conditions faced by prisoners in the facility.
Former TV host Tucker Carlson added to the discourse by reporting that Lira, who has criticized both Ukrainian and U.S. governments, died while in Ukrainian custody. Carlson emphasized that Lira is a U.S. citizen and asserted that the Biden administration supports what he described as imprisonment and torture. He also recalled Lira’s father, who allegedly predicted that his son could be killed under these circumstances. These remarks illustrate how accusations and counter-accusations about influence, oversight, and the treatment of detainees can proliferate in the absence of transparent information from official channels.
Earlier, Elon Musk called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to address the detention and arrest of Gonzalo Lira, a figure known for his international commentary and criticism. Musk’s appeal adds to a broader pattern of public figures pressuring authorities to provide clarity on the treatment and status of the journalist. While these statements underscore a climate of high-profile involvement, they also underscore the challenge of independently verifying claims amid ongoing tensions and conflicting narratives from various sides.