Jonathan Franks (advocate) explained

Jonathan "Jon" Franks is an American advocate and public relations crisis consultant known for his work in securing the release of individuals held hostage or detained abroad. Franks has successfully advocated for the release of numerous Americans detained in various countries, working through public and private channels. Notable cases include: Andrew Tahmooressi, Michael White, Trevor Reed, Taylor Dudley, James Frisvold,[1] Ridge Alkonis, Savoi Wright,[2] [3] among others. Franks provides commentary to the media on cases of Americans held hostage,[4] [5] and hostage diplomacy.[6]

Career

Before his hostage work, Franks worked in public relations and high-risk intervention with clients such as Montel Williams and James Woolsey.[7] [8]

In 2013, Franks advocated for the release of Andrew Tahmooressi, a U.S. Marine veteran detained in Mexico. Tahmooressi's case drew widespread media attention.[9] In 2019, Franks was also involved in the case of Michael White, a U.S. Navy veteran detained in Iran. He served as a spokesperson for the family.[10] [11]

Trevor Reed campaign

After Trevor Reed's arrest, Franks began collaborating closely with his family. Together, they orchestrated high-profile protests, media campaigns, and garnered political support.[12] [13] This collective effort led to an Oval Office meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and ultimately secured Reed's release from Russia in 2022.

Bring Our Families Home

Witnessing the success of Franks' approach, other families of detained Americans sought his assistance. Subsequently, Franks worked with these families to launch the Bring Our Families Home campaign merely a week after Reed's release. The daughter of one of the Citgo Six expressed the belief that her father would not have been released without Franks's assistance. U.S. Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger D. Carstens thanked him for his role in a separate release from Venezuela.[14] Neda Sharghi, the sister and advocate for Emad Shargi described Franks as a "game changer."

Franks is known for his role as the spokesperson for the Bring Our Families Home Campaign.[15] [16] As the spokesperson, Franks has highlighted the cases of Americans wrongfully detained overseas. The campaign aims to raise awareness, apply pressure on the U.S. Government, and mobilize public support to secure the release of detainees. He has publicly advocated for Paul Whelan,[17] [18] Evan Gershkovich,[19] and Majd Kamalmaz.[20]

Other cases

In 2023, Franks represented Taylor Dudley, an American Navy veteran, detained by Russia. Dudley was released in negotiations led by former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.[21] [22] Franks also worked on behalf of Naval Officer Ridge Alkonis, detained in Japan for a fatal car crash.[23] Once transferred to the U.S., he advocated for Alkonis's release from Federal Bureau of Prisons custody.[24]

In 2024, Franks advocated for an American detained in the Turks and Caicos Islands for illegal possession of ammunition. The man was subsequently allowed to return to the United States with a suspended sentence.[25]

References

  1. Web site: Navy veteran freed after 13 years in Mexican prison for murder he didn't commit . 2024-06-16 . ABC News . en.
  2. Web site: 2023-12-20 . The significance of the prisoner swap between the U.S. and Venezuela . 2024-06-16 . PBS NewsHour . en-us.
  3. Web site: 2023-12-21 . Jailed Americans land in Texas after U.S. reaches deal with Venezuela to release an ally of President Nicolás Maduro . 2024-06-16 . NBC News . en.
  4. Web site: Riddell . Don . 2022-03-14 . Brittney Griner: ‘It’s the most audacious hostage taking by a state imaginable,’ says former captive . 2024-06-16 . CNN . en.
  5. Web site: Expert hopes Brittney Griner release will lead to getting more people home . 2024-06-16 . baynews9.com . en.
  6. Web site: Hostage Diplomacy: Exclusive Interview with Mr. Jonathan Franks: Part 1 - Politics Considered . 2024-06-16 . iHeart . en.
  7. News: Simon . Joel . 2022-12-16 . How the Families of American Hostages Created Bipartisan Support for Prisoner Swaps . 2024-06-16 . The New Yorker . en-US . 0028-792X.
  8. News: Rucker . Philip . 2021-10-28 . Former CIA director James Woolsey quits Trump transition team . 2024-06-16 . Washington Post . en-US . 0190-8286.
  9. News: Press . Associated . 2014-11-01 . Mexico releases US marine who took guns across border . 2024-06-16 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  10. Web site: 2019-01-25 . American Held in Iran on Security-Related Charges . 2024-06-16 . Voice of America . en.
  11. Web site: 2023-09-10 . A US Navy veteran got unexpected help while jailed in Iran. Once released, he repaid the favor . 2024-06-16 . AP News . en.
  12. News: Bella . Timothy . 2022-03-12 . Family of Trevor Reed, Marine Corps veteran jailed in Russia, pushes for release as health declines . 2024-06-16 . Washington Post . en-US . 0190-8286.
  13. Web site: 2020-09-16 . Texans in Congress demand that Russia release ex-Marine from Fort Worth . 2024-06-16 . Dallas News . en.
  14. Web site: 2023-12-27 . Envoy for hostage affairs describes efforts to free Americans detained abroad . 2024-06-16 . PBS NewsHour . en-us.
  15. Web site: 2024-02-06 . Families of Americans detained overseas plead for White House help . 2024-06-16 . Scripps News (SNEWS) . en.
  16. Web site: 2024-03-08 . US Holds First Day to Commemorate American Hostages . 2024-06-16 . Voice of America . en.
  17. Web site: 2022-12-09 . White House celebrating Griner's return while leaving Whelan in Russia 'a little bizarre': Trevor Reed spokesman Fox News Video . 2024-06-16 . Fox News . en-US.
  18. Web site: Paul Whelan's family says he feels 'abandoned' by US in Russian prison . 2024-06-16 . ABC News . en.
  19. Web site: 2023-06-23 . Gershkovich’s Russian detention ‘all an act,’ Putin ‘pulling the strings’: Jonathan Franks Fox News Video . 2024-06-16 . Fox News . en-US.
  20. Web site: Staff . A. O. L. . 2024-05-18 . American therapist detained in Syria more than seven years ago has died . 2024-06-16 . www.aol.com . en-US.
  21. Web site: Bertrand . Natasha . 2023-01-12 . First on CNN: US Navy veteran released from Russian custody CNN Politics . 2024-06-16 . CNN . en.
  22. News: Crowley . Michael . 2023-01-12 . Russia releases a U.S. Navy veteran quietly detained in Kaliningrad in April of last year. . 2024-06-16 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331.
  23. Web site: Atwood . Natasha Bertrand,Kylie . 2022-08-17 . Family of US Navy officer jailed in Japan over fatal car crash calls on Biden to intervene CNN Politics . 2024-06-16 . CNN . en.
  24. Web site: Hansler . Jake Tapper, Jennifer . 2023-12-14 . Navy officer released from Japanese prison booked into California federal prison CNN Politics . 2024-06-16 . CNN . en.
  25. Web site: 2024-05-29 . Dad back from Turks and Caicos detainment: ‘Doesn’t feel real’ . 2024-06-16 . NewsNation . en-US.

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