As Pressure Mounts, Biden Signs Executive Order to Deter Wrongful Detention of Americans Abroad

As Pressure Mounts, Biden Signs Executive Order to Deter Wrongful Detention of Americans Abroad
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the press after taking part in a working session with Saudi Arabia's crown prince at the Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, on July 15, 2022. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Reuters
Updated:

WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Tuesday aimed at deterring and punishing wrongful detention of U.S. citizens abroad by authorizing government agencies to impose sanctions and other measures.

The move came amid growing pressure on Biden from families of hostages and detainees, most recently on the case of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been held in Russia since February and is on trial on drug charges.